The tradition of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick Parade Queen dates back to the chapter’s very beginnings. The very first year the Friendly Sons organized a parade through Des Moines was 1976, and sure enough there was a beautiful Irish lass to lead it. That tradition has held true ever since. Every year, a selection committee, consisting of the four Officers and one additional member of the Friendly Sons Board of Directors, chooses on whom to bestow the honor of Irish Queen for that coming year.
Along with being honored as one of the dignitaries of the St. Patrick's Day Parade, the Queen's presence is requested at other Friendly Sons of St. Patrick events held throughout the year, including the St. Patrick's 5K / 10K Run, the Halfway to St. Patrick's Day Celebration & Bike Ride, the Irish Open disc golf event, and the Friendly Sons annual Leprechaun Open golf outing.
