Downtown Wilmington filled with green after the “25th Annual Wilmington St. Patrick’s Day Parade”
WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY)– Green filled the streets of Downtown Wilmington, as hundreds of attended the 2026 Saint Patrick’s Day Parade.
Going all through Front Street, the 25th annual parade celebrated the Irish tradition with multiple vehicles, characters, and music. Hundreds of green attendees watched on both sides of the street, as they saw pirates, roller skaters, veterans, and WWAY’s Matt Bennett.
Bennett, who usually sits behind the desk on Good Morning Carolina, says it’s great to see the community out in person.
“It’s nice to get out behind the desk every once in a while, and interact with the community,” said Bennett. “Especially for a great event like this. I couldn’t ask for a better day to come out here and enjoy it. I am excited to meet some people, to wave to people, and support the Irish community in the port city,” said Bennett.
It wasn’t just Bennett at the parade, as the event also attracted people outside of Wilmington.
Jacob Bechtold is a Wilmington native and is back in the cape fear region after moving for work. He tells us how it feels to be back home and seeing the city with his friends.
“It feels great, I was born in Wilmington. I live in Raleigh, but I went to school here,” said Bechtold. “I just feel good that I’m back at home. You know that home-culture feeling, where everyone looks familiar and stuff? It’s just all vibes and smiles. It’s tough times right now, but I’m actually feeling great. I am glad I am out here,” said Bechtold.
