The Superior Midway Project is inciting debate over the traditional parade route as Cleveland gears up for its St. Patrick's Day festivities. FOX8 News has highlighted that this year, the celebrations in Northeast Ohio are scheduled to proceed as usual, with FOX 8's roundup showcasing a list of the best events to get into the Irish spirit, according to their recent article.
Elsewhere, Cleveland.com has informed readers about a busy weekend in Greater Cleveland, filled with not just St. Patrick's Day parades and bar crawls but also a range of entertainment options for residents to enjoy. This buzz of activity, however, comes amidst conversations spurred by the Superior Midway Project that ask whether the future St. Patrick’s Day Parade route will be compelled to change.
Construction on Superior Avenue is expected to begin in 2027, introducing a $25 million raised, landscaped median complete with a sidewalk bike path, as detailed by News 5 Cleveland. This new development clashes with the current parade layout, leaving officials stating things like They're squeezing us out and debating the feasibility of the parade’s future along its traditional route.
Mike Pelechaty, the Head of Brewing Operations and Co-Founder of Masthead Brewing Company, told News 5 Cleveland, "It would definitely not be good. I mean it would definitely be a hit to us and a hit to our patrons, our guests and our staff." The City of Cleveland, in response, has assured their commitment to safety as well as to the St. Patrick's Day parade, with Jorge Ramos Pantoja stating the city provides over $245,000 of in-kind security and event logistics every year, while also tackling traffic safety.
Patrick Murphy, Director Emeritus of The Saint Patrick's Day Parade Committee, Inc., suggested that the parade could proceed as normal with just a six-foot reduction in landscaping. He told News 5 Cleveland, "This really puts us in jeopardy because if you're gonna do this, put this 28-foot raised platform in the middle of the roadway, you're gonna squeeze us to a point where we're not gonna survive on Superior." Despite the current disagreement, both parties are reportedly willing to work towards finding a solution that keeps the parade downtown starting from 2027.
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