"Stealing of the Statue" Kicks off Cincinnati St. Patrick's Day Festivities

Story and photo contributed by Game Day Communications

CINCINNATI, OH -- Irish eyes are already smiling on the Queen City as the countdown to the 57th Cincinnati St. Patrick’s Parade begins this weekend.

The first St. Patrick’s event kicks off this Sunday, February 23rd at 2pm with a special mass at Holy Cross - Immaculata Church in Mt. Adams. The annual mass honors St. Patrick as well as local members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians & Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians who have passed away over the last year.

The mass will culminate with the “stealing of the statue” from the Church. The statue of St. Patrick will be taken from Immaculata and then carried along a short parade route through Mt. Adams streets, featuring parade participants in kilts with bagpipes & drums.

The “stealing of the statue” was started by the Crowley family of Crowley’s Pub in Mt. Adams. “Family is always the focus of the Irish culture and on this day family means the entire Irish-American community and those who support it,” explains parade Chairman Chris Schulte.

The 57th annual Cincinnati St. Patrick’s Parade will take place at The Banks on March 15th starting at 12pm.

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