MARSHALL — Marshall community members are looking forward to celebrating St. Patrick’s Day with a downtown parade next month. Organizers said so far, about 17 entries have signed up to be part of the parade.

“We hope it will be a nice day for the initial date,” said Sam Lund, event specialist for the Marshall Area Chamber of Commerce. The parade is planned for the afternoon of Saturday, March 14. Chamber staff said local businesses, organizations and community groups are invited to sign up to participate.

Lund said he has heard comments from community members who were excited for the return of the parade. It’s an opportunity to get out and have some springtime fun. “Who doesn’t like wearing green on a nice day?” Lund said. The event is also a chance for people to spend some time in Marshall’s downtown.

The parade is planned to go from First Street near Casey’s, to Fifth Street downtown. In the event of weather concerns, a backup date has been scheduled for April 18. The Chamber said the backup date will only be used if the parade needs to be canceled or rescheduled.

Last year, the St. Patrick’s Day parade ended up being canceled due to wintry weather conditions, but Marshall community members weren’t ready to give up on the event. To make up for the cancellation, a Spring Fling parade was held in April, when the weather was a lot more pleasant. Last year, organizers of the spring parade said about 38 businesses and clubs took part.

An online sign-up form is available for groups to participate in the St. Patrick’s Day parade. Particpants can contact Lund at the Marshall Area Chamber of Commerce office with questions.

The parade isn’t the only St. Patrick’s Day event planned for March 14 this year. Earlier in the day, the Marshall Area YMCA will be holding its annual Shamrock Shuffle fun run. The 5K event will take participants on a route that starts at the YMCA, winds through Marshall, and ends at the Brau Brothers brewery. A virtual or indoor 5K route will also be available.

More information on the Shamrock Shuffle is available online at https://marshallareaymca.org/events/shamrock-shuffle.