Taffy Morgan was one of several people who helped get the St. Patrick’s Day Parade off the ground in 1996. Riley’s Irish Pub — owned by Forrest Riley and managed by his niece Taffy — along with the Brass Eagle Supper Club owned by David Goodloe and Jim Bertz came up with plans for the parade, which remain basically the same to this day.

Both restaurants offered specials and events on the day of that inaugural St. Pat’s Parade, including a Blarney stone for people to kiss along with live music.

With the Victorian Peddler judging the parade entries, ribbons were given out in categories such as best Irish outfit, funniest outfit and best float.

While parade plans were being made, Bertz said they expected the first parade to be small, joking that perhaps they could bill it as the smallest parade in Missouri.

“But we started getting too many people that wanted to be in it,” Bertz said at the time.

The parade has gone on to enjoy strong participation over the years.

Morgan said at the time of the first parade that “It’s a time to enjoy life and have a good time” — and that goal hasn’t changed.