CHARLOTTE, N.C. — For almost 25 years, Charlotte has been gilded in green for the St. Patrick's Day Parade. But to the heartbreak of revelers in the Queen City, the parade will not be able to happen this year.
Frank and Linda Hart started the tradition in 1997, celebrating Irish culture in Uptown with verdant sights and celebrants cheering on. The last time the parade was held was in 2019, and COVID-19 kept it from happening in 2020 and 2021. Initially, the Harts started planning for the revels.
But this year, the Harts have to devote their energies to something else: Parkinson's Disease.
Linda Hart confirmed to WCNC Charlotte that Frank's condition hasn't gotten better, and the couple will now be focused on tending to it. As of now, the Harts are not aware if anyone else will be organizing the parade this year, or at any point in the future. Linda has promised to let us know if someone does choose to step up and take charge.
Linda had a simple message of gratitude and sadness to share, saying "Thank you for your support through the years. After 25 years it is very disappointing to not be able to organize it any longer."