Baton Rouge’s first ever Irish-Italian parade rolled near the University’s campus Saturday afternoon in sunny spring weather.
The parade, which will be a new annual event, lasted about 30 minutes and traveled from Burbank Drive near Lee Drive to Walk-On’s Bistreaux and Bar on Nicholson Drive.
“Some people think just the St. Patrick’s Day celebrations are enough,” said Gary Brown, parade organizer. “I didn’t think it was enough.”
The parade featured marching groups, a fire truck and 15 floats from sponsors including Rotolo’s Pizzeria, The Chimes and Walk-On’s.
“It’s a Baton Rouge event and an Italian parade. We are an Italian business in Baton Rouge, so we wanted to get involved. It’s a perfect fit,” said Mitch Rotolo, owner of Rotolo’s Pizzeria.
Rotolo said he was excited about the parade because it was the first time a parade has been in an area so close to the University’s campus.
“Everything is always downtown,” Rotolo said. “But who wants to go downtown? There’s nowhere to park.”
Laura Montelih, float rider and Baton Rouge resident, said she was glad to see the parade as a new development for the city.
“The more in Baton Rouge, the better,” Montelih said. “You get to stay home, and it’s good for the economy and fun of Baton Rouge.”
Brown said Irish-Italian parades are common all across the country.
“Baton Rouge’s rendition will fill a need in a community known for its huge Irish and Italian populations,” said Brown in a news release.
Rotolo said the parade showed the community’s “huge influence” of Irish and Italians in the area.
“There weren’t many people out [at the parade], but the ones who were there were enthusiastic,” said Ralph Snodgraff, Baton Rouge resident and float rider.
Robert Hoch, engineering junior, said he “felt lonely” at the parade.
“I only saw about 12 other people [watching the parade],” Hoch said.
Matthew Spradley, business administration junior, said the small parade still has room to grow compared to other Baton Rouge parades.
“There’s really no comparison,” Spradley said. “But this was just the first year, so hopefully in a couple years people will start to recognize it.”
Brown said it’s difficult to gain attention the first time, but he expects to garner more support for a bigger parade next year.
“It will only get bigger and better,” Snodgraff said.
 
 
 
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contact Emily Herrington at [email protected]