Our Story

The Raleigh St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee is made up of several dedicated individuals who volunteer their time and efforts to bring a fabulous parade to Raleigh each March. The Parade is supported by volunteer donations of time and talents as well as money and in kind from many individuals and businesses.

The expenses to put on the parade are many, so please consider giving a donation or becoming a sponsor!

The Committee members are thankful for all support!

The parade started in 1983 with a dozen or so enthusiastic Irish-Americans marching down Wilmington St. to the delight and curiosity of downtown residents, merchants and shoppers. The parade was organized initially by John McIntyre and Gail Massari. John and Gail kept the parade going and growing until 1988 when John was transferred to Germany. Prior to leaving for Germany they asked Raleigh's Friends of Ireland (FOI) organization to continue the work they started. The FOI board agreed to organize the parade. Frank Mellage became involved with the parade at that time. He served on the Parade committee from 1989-1992 and became Chairman of the committee for the 1993 St. Patrick's Day Parade.  In 2000 an independent Raleigh Saint Patrick's Day Parade Committee was formed with members from other local Irish organizations.  Frank continued as Committee Chair until 2012, and now the Chair is held by Dianne Enright who served on the Committee under Frank since 2001.  The 2024 Parade will be the 40th!

Grand Marshal 2025

Van Eure is a master of making memories for guests. Continuing in her father’s footsteps, Van has built a nationally famous institution in Raleigh by serving thousands of guests each year at The Angus Barn restaurant.

As a North Carolina native, Van received her degree from UNC-CH. Using her knowledge and passion for teaching, she opened her own Elementary School and ran it for 5 years in Kenya. Upon returning to the United States, she worked side by side with her father, until his untimely death in 1988. Teaming with her mother, Alice Eure, together they ran the restaurant until Alice died in 1997. The family legacy continues as her husband, Steve Thanhauser, and two children. Chris and Ali are actively involved in the restaurant.

Beyond countless hours at 'Beefeater’s Haven”, Van has contributed to the growth of Raleigh in the past by serving on numerous Boards as well as The North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association, and the National Restaurant Association’s Board. On a national level, her accolades include a College of Diplomates Award from the National Restaurant Association’s Educational Foundation and a Humanitarian of the Year Restaurant Neighbor Award from the NRA. IFMA acknowledged her contributions to the food service industry with the coveted Gold Plate Award. In addition, she was honored with the Legends Award from the NRA. Locally from the North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association, she holds numerous awards for dedication and service to the hospitality industry and community. And recently Triangle Business Journal named her the Lifetime Achievement Award winner for her selfless devotion to the community over her business career.

As a trailblazer for the environment and conservation, Van instrumented a recycling program for The Angus Barn long before regulations were in place and was awarded the Environmental Stewardship Award for her efforts in conserving water and energy and in minimizing waste.

In more recent years, Van advocates for animals and founded her own charity, The Cheyenne Foundation, a local charity for the rescue and treatment of abused and neglected horses and dogs.

Van’s warmth, compassion, dedication, and strength is even most visible in her passion and love for The Foundation of Hope, a charity founded in 1984 by her parents. As her brother struggles with mental illness every day, this Foundation was established for the research and treatment of mental illness. The first Walk for Hope in 1989 raised $30,000 with 200 participants and has escalated to over 4000 participants, raising over a million dollars annually. Van was recognized by the UNC Department of Psychiatry Center for Excellence in Community Mental Health Advocacy Award. Through her warmth and beauty, Van Eure remains a spokesperson for those suffering from mental illness. For decades she has lived passionately making a profound difference in the lives of others, whether at work or volunteering.

When you visit The Angus Barn, you will be greeted by her contagious smile and her ability to make you feel like the most important person in the world as she bids a “Eure Welcome”.

Past Grand Marshals
2024 Jeff Hogan, News Anchor WRAL
2023 Sandra Holland, Raleigh Gaelic Athletic Association (GAA)
2022 David Ira Wood III, Actor and Theater Director
2021 Parade cancelled due to Pandemic
2020 Parade cancelled due to Pandemic
2019 Don Schwenneker, Meteorologist ABC 11 Eyewitness News
2018 Bill Leslie, WRAL Newscaster and Celtic Musician
2017 Annie Nice, Tir na nOg
2016 Kelly McGrath O'Doherty, NC Rose of Tralee Director
2015 Jerry Parnell, Lead Piper
2014 John McGrath, Raleigh Fire Chief
2013 Frank Mellage, Former Parade Director
2012 Nancy McFarlane, Raleigh Mayor
2011 Ed Cody, Raleigh Humanitarian
2010 Bill Reh, NBC 17 Meteorologist
2009 Tom O'Brien, NC State University Football Coach
2008 Harry Patrick Dolan, Raleigh Police Chief
2007 Debra Morgan, WRAL Anchor/Reporter
2006 Richard H. Moore, NC State Treasurer
2005 Steve McLaurin, McLaurin Parking
2004 Bill Gaines, NBC 17 Anchor/Reporter
2003 Charles Meeker, Raleigh Mayor
2002 Jane Perlov, Raleigh Police Chief
2001 Sharon Delaney, NBC 17 Anchor/Reporter
2000 Paul Coble, Raleigh Mayor
1999 Kieran J. Shanahan, Raleigh City Council
1998 Donna Gregory, NBC 17 Anchor/Reporter
1997 Sylvia Wiggins, Helping Hand Mission Director
1996 Pam Saulsby, WRAL Anchor/Reporter
1995 Tom Fetzer, Raleigh Mayor
1994 Fred Heineman, Raleigh Police Chief
1993 David Allen, Fox Anchor/Reporter
1992 John McIntyre, Parade Founder

I had no problem parking and the parade was very unique. I loved all the pups and cars. The dance groups and bands were great too.

Parking was a breeze. Parade was great, people friendly, not too crowded. Entire family had a great time. Definitely attending next year 🍀

(From cancelling in 2020 due to the pandemic)
Thank you for all of your hard work in advance of the event. Our entire family has attended every year and although we will miss the event, we certainly understand.

We love this parade!