St. Patrick’s Day Parade planned
Farragut residents, Chandle Turbyville and and Christy Connor-Watkins, are organizing this year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Knoxville.
The parade will take place Saturday, March 14, starting at 1 p.m. in downtown Knoxville along Gay Street, beginning at Main Street and ending at Magnolia Avenue.
“There are many vantage points to enjoy the parade,” Turbyville said.
“This is the 9th year of the St. Patrick’s Parade since we brought it back in 2017,” Turbyville said.
Turbyville, a Farragut High School Class of 1994 alum, and Watkins met through Watkins’s husband, Josh.
“Thank you Josh,” said Watkins, a 1989 graduate of Knoxville Catholic High School while Josh is a KCHS Class of 1991 graduate.
Watkins said they came up with the idea of organizing the parade while they were sitting at Clancy’s, reminiscing about the parade in the ’80’s.
“Josh said, “Let’s bring it back,” she recalled. “I said Turbyville and I will chair it.”
The parade came together with lots of meetings with past parade organizers, the city of Knoxville and many volunteers, Watkins recalled.
“The support of our sponsors and the community has been overwhelming, and we could not do this without them,” Turbyville said. “We also have an amazing committee that helps drive our mission.”
“It is a fun labor of love,” Watkins said about organizing the event.
“It’s a lot of work but the results make it all worth it” Turbyville added. “We have participants from all over. Small businesses, dance troops, families, friend groups, politicians, churches and schools.
“It’s a great way to advertise to thousands of people,” she added. “Sign-ups are close, Monday, March 9,” Turbyville said. “As of now, we have over 80 units, which is the largest amount we have ever had. We are so excited!”
In choosing Jimmy Houston as the grand marshal, Watkins said, “The Bassmaster Classic is in town, and he is a true
fishing legend and Bassmaster. We are very blessed that he is honoring us as grand marshal.”
To make the event worthwhile, Turbyville said, “We wanted to make the greatest impact with the funds that we raise.”
Watkins said Catholic Charities of East Tennessee have a program that will help anyone in any situation regardless of age, race, religion, orientation, disability or income. No one is turned away.”
To participate in the 2026 parade, people can visit www.knoxstpatricksparade.com.
