Naples St. Patrick's parade at risk; local families fight to preserve it

The Naples St. Patrick's Day Parade, a beloved tradition for many in the community, faced cancellation due to rising costs. The Naples St. Patrick Foundation, which organizes the event, cited city fees and new enforcement requirements as unsustainable for the volunteer-run group. Despite a request for a fee waiver, the city council unanimously denied it.

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Gary Price, a Naples resident, expressed his determination to save the parade, sharing his personal connection and efforts to raise funds.

"Our son, Garrett, passed away a couple years ago, and of all the things that we did, the St Patrick's Day parade was his most favorite thing," Price said. "And he passed away just almost two years ago, just actually a week before the parade two years ago. So it's meaningful to our family."

Price continued, "It's been something that we've shared together, and I know how important it is to other families, and I felt like this is something that we need to fix."

Price also mentioned fundraising efforts, saying, "Our goal is to raise at least $45,000. I'm waiting for a couple people to call me back. We're about $35,000 already committed."

Later in the afternoon, Price confirmed the community raised $46,000.

WINK News reached out to the city for more information about security costs, and the city is working to provide answers.