Organizers cancel St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Naples, citing high costs

The St. Patrick’s Day Parade has been a cherished tradition in Naples.

This year would have marked the event’s golden anniversary, signifying 50 years of existence in the city.

However, the event has been canceled, due to rising costs — including the higher costs charged by the city.

49th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Naples

49th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Naples

Kim Heaslip, president of the Naples St. Patrick Foundation Inc., which puts on the event, said: “It is with deep regret and sincere disappointment that we announce we are no longer able to present the Naples St. Patrick’s Day Parade on the streets of downtown Naples.”

The decision came after city council unanimously denied a request to waive city fees for the event on Jan. 21.

At the meeting, Heaslip asked for council’s help in saving the parade.

The city’s fees for the event came in at more than $20,700 in 2024, and those fees continued to rise, along with other costs.

“We were enthusiastically preparing to celebrate the 50th Annual Naples St. Patrick’s Day Parade when we were recently informed that municipal fees imposed by the City of Naples — combined with newly required full-route barricade and enforcement costs — have increased to a level that our small, volunteer-led organization can no longer sustain,” Heaslip said. “City fees have grown from under $4,000 10 years ago to $25,000. Last year, our barricade fee was under $5,000 and would have increased to $42,000 in 2026.”

At the council meeting, she warned that the event might have to be canceled, if the city didn’t lower its costs.

“We insure the city streets for the day,” Heaslip said. “We provide the porta potties. We pay waste management and countless other expenses without the city’s assistance.”

She explained how the event is supported by a small group of dedicated volunteers.

“No one receives compensation, and we do not charge the public to attend or enjoy the event,” she said.

She emphasized how every marching band that participates in the parade receives a $2,000 grant to support their school’s music programs, and how the Naples St. Patrick Foundation helps other nonprofits, including STARability, which supports children and adults with disabilities across Southwest Florida.

“This is not a private enterprise,” Heaslip told city council. “It’s a celebration for all residents and visitors, uniting families across generations. We are a safe, well managed event. The parade has never been associated with disturbances or unruly behavior.”

During council discussions, Vice Mayor Terry Hutchison said he enjoyed the parade, offering him the chance to “dress up and look ridiculous” and smile, but he couldn’t justify the request to waive city fees.

“That is problematic in a lot of different ways,” he said. “And, unfortunately, I can’t support it.”

Councilman Bill Kramer said that while he, too, loved the parade, safety had to come first, and the city already sponsors enough events, including the Christmas, Fourth of July and Martin Luther King Jr. parades.

“We got to get our events right,” he said. “We have too many events.”

Councilman Berne Barton said that while the parade is “fantastic,” he couldn’t see the justification for waiving the fees, either. He argued it could set a bad precedent, leading other event organizers to demand the same, as they’ve also seen their costs rise, due to the city’s new security requirements.

Barton suggested that with some effort, the parade’s volunteers could probably find others willing to step up financially to help ensure the event continues, including corporate sponsors.

Following the brief discussion, Barton motioned to approve the event for this year, but not to waive the city’s fees. Hutchison seconded.

After the motion passed unanimously, Heaslip said the difficult decision was made to cancel the parade this year — and to longer have it.

“For decades, we have proudly and energetically raised funds to fulfill our mission and to present what has become one of Naples’ premier winter events. We are deeply grateful to the countless sponsors, donors, volunteers, and community members who have made this possible year after year. However, we cannot, in good conscience, continue fundraising efforts to cover municipal and barricade enforcement costs required by the city,” Heaslip said.

The mission of the parade has been to:

• Support high school music programs and other youth initiatives

• Provide college scholarships to deserving students

• Promote awareness and appreciation of Irish culture

Over nearly five decades, Heaslip said she’s proud of the event’s cultural, educational and economic impacts on the Naples community.

Laura Layden is business and government reporter. Reach her at laura.layden@naplesnews.com.

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