The luck of the Irish—and the generosity of a few locals—has prevailed in Naples. The city’s traditional St. Patrick’s Day Parade is expected to march down Fifth Avenue as planned, reversing a cancellation decision made just days prior.
The $43,000 Hurdle On January 22, the Naples St. Patrick’s Foundation voted to cancel the event after the Naples City Council declined to waive fees for security barricades. These barricades, a new requirement recommended by Homeland Security officials for public gatherings, came with a price tag of $43,000.
With the City Council citing a need to prioritize taxpayer money for infrastructure and resiliency projects, the fee waiver was denied, leaving the parade’s future in jeopardy.
Community Steps Up Enter Gary Price—and some crucial advice from his wife.
Price shared that after news of the cancellation broke, his wife received numerous messages from friends lamenting the loss of the tradition. “She told me, ‘Gary, you should fix this,’” Price said.
Taking that direction to heart, Price began making calls. Within a short time, four to five donors—described as personal friends who love the town and the parade—agreed to cover the $43,000 needed for the barricades.
Price presented the financial solution to Foundation President Kim Heaslip, who confirmed that the parade would move forward if the funding was secured. The foundation is set to finalize the decision immediately.
Celebrating 50 Years Saving the event is particularly significant this year, as the parade is scheduled for March 14, marking its 50th Anniversary.
As the largest parade in the city, the event draws more than 40,000 spectators and participants downtown. It typically features between 110 and 120 units, including 12 to 14 marching bands, and serves as a fundraiser for local nonprofits and band programs.
A Model for the Future? While the immediate crisis is averted, the situation has sparked conversation about how to fund such events moving forward. Council member Beth Petrunoff viewed the outcome as a positive partnership between the city and the community.
“We have the security, we’re not raiding any taxpayer money, and the community stepped up to have an event everyone loves,” Petrunoff said.
Price noted that as word spread, local businesses also reached out to contribute, suggesting there may be an opportunity to create a dedicated fund to ensure the parade’s financial security for years to come.
