Established in 1995, the original 'independent' committee solicited help from Kiwanis, Rotary, and the Woman's Club in order to put the parade on for 15 years before they ran out of energy and turned it over to the City of Hermosa Beach who continued the tradition for 2 years. The Hermosa Beach Chamber of Commerce, and then the Hermosa Beach Chamber Foundation, took over the parade after that and still continues the tradition today.

"St. Pat's is a uniquely American event that only caught on in Ireland as a 'thing' in the 90's. It was a celebration of the freedom Irish immigrants found in America to speak their language which was prohibited and practice their religion, also prohibited in Ireland by their English Colonial masters. "Step dancing" was also prohibited. 700 years the Brits ruled Ireland, mostly with an iron fist. The Irish in Boston & NYC began St. Pat's parades in the late 1800’s."

South Bay News in 2019:
The Hermosa Beach St. Patrick’s Day Parade began with a group of friends meeting at the old Fat Face Fenner’s Saloon on Hermosa Avenue in Hermosa Beach. Organized by Co-Chairs Jean Cullen and J Travers Devine, the first Annual Parade was presented in 1995 and was an instant success. Since then what began as a group of Irish-Americans celebrating their heritage has morphed into a great ‘hometown’ local event drawing thousands to the streets of Hermosa Beach each year in a great celebration of community while retaining important elements of Irish heritage and culture.

We would like to thank Jody Leventhal and J Travers for providing this information and permission for us.