Bellingham's Grand Marshal
Each year, the Bellingham St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee carefully selects a Grand Marshal to lead the parade down the streets of Downtown. The representative chosen exemplifies superior qualities of leadership, a strong dedication to our community and an overall positive attitude.
And, the 2024 Grand Marshal is...
Lt. Claudia Murphy!
A lifelong public servant, Lt. Murphy has been a dedicated member of the Bellingham Police Department since 1993.
"Claudia is our first Irish-born Grand Marshal and has been a fun and engaging personality at the parade for years; she is a perfect fit to lead the merriment! The parade is in honor of our Public Safety Personnel. Lt. Murphy will be representing BPD in uniform and may even be seen turning doughnuts in the intersections on Parade Day!" said Janet Lightner, President of the Bellingham Parade.
The 14th Annual Bellingham St. Patrick's Day Parade is on Sunday, March 17th at noon.
Grand Marshals of the Past:
2023 Anna Rankin, Race Director of Ski to Sea, Mt. Baker Hill Climb, Tour de Whatcom, and Taps to Trails
2022 Erika Lautenbach, Director of Whatcom County Health Department
2020 Mayor Seth Fleetwood
2019 Alice Clark, Executive Director of the Downtown Bellingham Partnership
2018 Moonwater, Executive Director of Whatcom Dispute Resolution Center
2017 Whatcom Community College
2016 Todd Elsworth
2015 Fire Chief Bill Newbold
2014 Chief of Police Clifford Cook
2013 Tammy Bennett
2012 Mayor Kelli Linville
2011 Sheriff Bill Elfo
2010 Mayor Dan Pike
“Kick the March doldrums to the curb with Bellingham's St. Paddy's Parade,” says Tammy Bennett, former Grand Marshal and current member of the YMCA’s Department of Fun. “It's the perfect opportunity to join family, friends & neighbors, gussy up yourselves (& bikes if you like rollin') and get your green on!“