Changes are in store at Cottleville St. Patrick’s Day celebrations as tens of thousands expected Saturday

COTTLEVILLE, Mo. (First Alert 4) -The City of Cottleville says a partnership with several local businesses is bringing about changes to its annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration this Saturday.

The city first hosted a celebration in 2008, a tradition that included a parade, community activities and a 5K run organized by the Cottleville Fire Outreach Program. However, the city said rising costs of hosting the event led to discontinuing the parade in 2022.

As a result, several small businesses decided to bring a new experience to festivalgoers, spearheading Irish Fest 2025.

“It’s usually the biggest day of the year,” said Dave Bemis, owner of Bemo’s. “The weather dictates it all, last year was the biggest year we’ve had I think this year could be right there even with that.”

According to the city, Bemo’s, Frankie Martin’s Garden, Cottleville Wine Seller, Public School House and Jo’s 5th Street Pub are several of the restaurants taking part in Irish Fest. While the event is not sanctioned by the city, business owners and city officials have worked together for several months to make safety improvements to the event.

“I think last year we had around 30,000 people,” said Cottleville Police Chief Dave McCune. “It’s all hands on deck when it comes to our officers.”

Together with the city, business owners decided on several changes this year, including designating one-way entrance and exits from the businesses, wristbands to indicate someone is of drinking age, more public bathrooms and ending the day at 8:00 Saturday night.

“Nothing good ever happens after 8:00,” laughed Chelsey Sweeten, owner of Public School House. “In years past, we’ve tried to wind things down around then. It’s a very long day for everyone, including our staff.”

Chief McCune said the biggest complaint the department receives every year relates to public urination. This year, he said officers will be actively enforcing a new ordinance prohibiting it, along with looking for underage drinking, public intoxication and driving while under the influence.

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