For some reason, Southeastern North Carolina often gets overlooked when folks talk about the Scots-Irish. But in the 1750s, Royal Governor Arthur Dobbs actively encouraged Ulster Scots to settle here—and they did.

Many of us with deep roots in the region have Scots-Irish heritage, which makes Wilmington the perfect place for a St. Patrick’s Day parade!

For the past 22 years, Wilmington has delivered just that—a St. Patrick’s Day parade that ranks among the finest “small city” parades in the country. It’s a hidden gem with all the charm and none of the overcrowding.

Last year, the girls and I joined the festivities, marching in the parade dolled up in green, handing out Mardi Gras beads and stickers, and soaking in the energy of the crowd.

It was an unforgettable experience—Celtic melodies danced on the breeze, Irish step dancers clicked their heels on the asphalt, and a warm, unspoken bond stitched us all together.

But my favorite part of the morning? The livestock decked out in four leaf clovers. Nothing says St. Patrick’s Day in the South like a miniature blue-eyed donkey covered in shamrocks prancing along like some Southern-fried leprechaun’s trusty steed.

Will we be back? You bet your lucky clover! The parade’s set for March 15th, and we’ve scored an invite to march with Clan Cochrane again.

Ya’ll keep an eye out for us—we’ll be the ones draped in green. 😉