DECATUR, Ill. (WAND) – The traditional Decatur St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be without its longtime organizer. However, a new generation will step up to take over.
Jim Wrigley, who ran the parade for more than 20 years, died in January. His daughter, Kate Pletsch, will take over the parade for 2026 and beyond, while his wife, Vickey Wrigley, will be the Grand Marshal.
"The plan was always that when he was ready to retire, I would take over," Pletsch told WAND News. "He would never let me live it down if I gave it up."
The parade is scheduled for 11 a.m. March 14. An annual St. Patrick’s celebration with food, drinks and music will take place at the Knights of Columbus Hall at 520 East North Street in Decatur. It is open to the public.
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