Small West Michigan Town is Home to ‘World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade’

A small, unincorporated township in Michigan may not seem like much from the outside looking in, but it's home to one of the coolest St. Patrick's Day events in the state.

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A little north and east of Coopersville, you'll find the tiny township of Conklin.

It's not easy to get to, but it's worth the drive for this yearly St. Patrick's Day event.

What is There to Do in Conklin, Michigan?

Conklin's very small Main Street appears to be home to just a few commercial buildings. One is a mini-mart (aptly named the Conklin Mini Market), one is the Post Office, and then, there's the Conklin Bar.

The History of Michigan's Iconic Conklin Bar

The Conklin Bar once looked much different and was known by a different name - Fenian's Irish Pub - but it appears that it changed names several years ago after the owners retired and put it up for sale.

But, the new owners stick to many of the traditions that were established by Fenian's, including hosting live Irish music.

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They've also kept the bar's (and, really, the town's) claim to fame going since taking over - 'The World's Shortest St. Patrick's Day Parade'.

World's Shortest St. Patrick's Day Parade in Conklin, Michigan

The parade, which seemingly started out as a joke, has been a part of St. Patrick's Day in Conklin for nearly 40 years.

Every year, the parade starts at 10:55 a.m. and is usually finished by 11:00 a.m. Why? Well, legend has it that no one can pass up stopping into the Conklin Bar, so that's just where the parade tends to stop. And it gets quite busy.

And for good reason, it seems. A post on the bar's Facebook page shows that they'll have live music throughout the day and a ton of Irish food to eat - Guinness stew, corned beef and cabbage, and 'Irish tacos', as well as brats and hot dogs.

Don't want to make the trek to Conklin to celebrate St. Patrick's Day? Here are some great options in Grand Rapids.