History:

The Harrisburg St. Patrick's Day Parade Association was CREATED in the 1990s when a group of volunteers planned and put on a parade to promote the heritage and culture of the local Irish community.

The Harrisburg St. Patrick's Day Parade Association has EVOLVED into the Capital Region Association of Irish and Celts (CRAIC).  This all-volunteer organization now provides a common resource for the local Celtic organizations in Central Pennsylvania, promoting their Celtic heritage and culture.  In addition to continuing the parade tradition, CRAIC offers scholarships to deserving area students; supports other local charitable organizations; and, above all, celebrates diversity within our community.

CRAIC has CONTINUED planning, organizing, and running the St. Patrick's Day Parade in mid March, which typically involves over 90 participating groups, viewed by more than 25,000 spectators and community leaders. This event celebrates our collective heritage.

CRAIC has BECOME a year-round resource for students, educators, and parents.  We provide opportunities to engage in ongoing cultural, educational, religious, historical, economic, and political issues of heritage in the Central Pennsylvania area.