If there is one tradition that defines the Outer Banks it’s got to be the Kelly’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Nags Head. The mile long parade is a perfect blend of the whimsical and classic parade, a little bit of tradition and a chance for some new businesses to introduce themselves.
Pretty much what the Outer Banks is all about.
This was the 32nd Kelly’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Thirty-fourth year, but Mike had to take two years off for COVID. That’s the only time the parade has ever been cancelled.For those of us who have been here for a while and have been heading down to Nags Head for the parade, it’s been a challenge at times— snow, winds, rain, but no cancellations in 32 years of parades.
No one has ever taken the time to actually count how many people line the streets, but it sure looked more packed than usual this year, and according to one report we saw, Mike Kelly felt this was the best attended ever with between 10,000-11,000 spectators lining the Beach Road.
There are some great traditions associated with the parade. The Tidewater (Bag)Pipes and Drum Corps is always the first band to perform and they’ve been showing up every year for almost 30 years. And the Cape Henry Model A Ford Club has been there for 31 of 32 years.
Of course, there’s always room for a new tradition and we’re kind of hopeful the latest comes to pass.
The way to think about this is just about every float throws candy to the kids. This for the adults, Lost Colony Brewing brought out their Beer Ranger truck complete with the beer tap on the back and handed out samples to the adults.
Typical Outer Banks innovative thinking.
So many fun things to do on the Outer Banks. Come join us at Brindley Beach Vacations for a great time.