The Colorado Springs St. Patrick’s Day Parade began in 1985, founded by John and Carol O’Donnell, with a dream to bring Irish cheer to the heart of the city. What started as a modest parade has grown into the largest annual event in Colorado Springs, drawing over 30,000 spectators each year. From the very first year, the O’Donnells wanted the celebration to be more than just a parade, so they introduced the 5k for St. Patrick’s Day. This festive race, the flattest 5k in town, continues to bring over 2,500 runners to the streets of downtown every year. With more than 100 parade entries featuring music, floats, and vibrant costumes, the parade has become a cherished tradition, deeply rooted in the O’Donnell family’s commitment to community spirit.
Over the years, the O’Donnells have introduced various new events to keep the festivities fresh and fun. In the early 90s, the Leprechaun Fun Run was added, a race for the wee ones that has since grown to include two heats: a half-mile for younger leprechauns and a one-mile course for older kids. Each child receives a race bib and shirt to match the 5k runners. Other events like the Killians Cup one-mile dash, the Pedalin’ St. Pat’s Bike Rides, and the Whiskey Tryst Irish whiskey tasting added variety to the celebrations. While not all of these events have stuck around, they each brought their own charm to the St. Patrick’s Day tradition. Today, our latest addition is the “Locate the Leprechaun” scavenger hunt, where children and their families search for the elusive Leprechaun Lenny along Tejon Street, adding a touch of Irish mischief to the festivities.
A significant milestone came in 2007, when the parade made the move from Old Colorado City to Downtown Colorado Springs. This shift allowed the parade to grow and become more accessible to the ever-expanding community. The change in venue breathed new life into the celebration, drawing larger crowds and offering more opportunities for families to gather and enjoy the day’s festivities. Now running along Tejon Street, the parade continues to evolve and thrive at the heart of the city.
The O’Donnell family’s passion for celebrating St. Patrick’s Day extends beyond John and Carol. Their daughter, Kaleigh O’Donnell, joined the family business in 2017, ensuring that the legacy of community involvement and festive celebration carries on for future generations. Together, the O’Donnells have built a beloved tradition that has brought joy, pride, and a sense of togetherness to Colorado Springs for over 40 years. Sláinte to many more!
-This article was written by Kaleigh O’Donnell with the assistance of AI
Check out some of the other events the O’Donnell’s like to put on:
The Pikes Peak or Bust Rodeo Parade and Stick Horse Races
The Colorado Springs OktoberFest
