Stockyards City Celebrates Irish Heritage With Annual Parade

Last year, a severe virus outbreak that affects horses caused horseback riders in Oklahoma, and many other states, to quarantine. You can tell that many are ready to get back into the swing of things, with caution.

One of the state's largest parades each year is the St. Patty's Day Celebration at Stockards City in Oklahoma City. The Stockyards staff are beginning to prep for the parade and are inviting everyone, including horseback riders, to come and participate.

Here's what you can expect for the St. Patty's Day parade at Stockyards City, and how you can ride in the parade, too.

Stockyards City Annual St. Patty's Day Parade Will Be Saturday, March 14, 2026.

The parade will start at 10 a.m. and be led by Slash O Ranch Longhorns. The entire event is dedicated to celebrating Irish heritage, with marching bands, bagpipes, Irish dancers, and even more to see.

The event is obviously completely free to watch, and costs a mere $30 to ride in the parade. Applications must be turned in no later than March 1, 2026.

What Are The Oklahoma City Stockyards?

The Stockyards started way back in 1910, when they began operating as a public livestock market. Now, they serve as the nation's lead stocker and feeder in the cattle market. But, it has become more than just a marketplace.

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Oklahoma's western culture and history still lives on in the Stockyards. Much of the original business district still remains intact, and more stores have moved in over the years.

You could say that the Stockyards offer tourists and visitors the closest look at the true "Oklahoma experience."

Current Status of EHV-1 Outbreak From 2025 In Oklahoma

Where there are cattle, there are usually horses. Last year, horseback riders in Oklahoma and Texas had a scare involving EHV-1, or the Equine Herpes Virus.

An outbreak caused riders to keep their animals at home, so many rodeos, barrel races, and equine events were canceled since EHV-1 is highly contagious between horses. This also meant that in many holiday events, like parades and pony rides, horses couldn't be involved.

@omg_its_lucy_78 With the EHV 1 outbreak keep your horses home and safe. That jackpot money isn’t worth it. #horses #outbreak #oklahoma #texas #florida ♬ Save My Soul - noahrinker

There are still cases of EHV-1, including the most recent case that was reported on January 27, 2026. Although there is no vaccine for the neurological version of the virus, there are vaccines to protect against other versions.

If you do decide to bring your horse, it is highly encouraged to vaccinate and ensure that there is no chance it could have been exposed to another horse with the virus.