Tucson Standard

Tucson Police Captain John Carlson was selected to serve as the 2022 Grand Marshal for the 35th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade & Festival of Tucson.

Residents were able to enjoy a weekend of fun and celebration as the St. Patrick's Day Parade and Festival returned last weekend to Tucson.

According to KGUN 9 News, the 2022 Patrick's Day Parade and Festival of Tucson is the 35th anniversary of the festival. The event celebrated Irish culture and featured music, dance and history. Aside from the parade, visitors were able to participate in races and entertainment. The parade included floats with appearances by members of the military, media and entertainment personalities, civic and social groups and local dignitaries.

Tucson Police Captain John Carlson was selected to serve as the 2022 Grand Marshal for the event and he shared what St. Patrick's Day meant to him personally.

"I'm truly humbled to be selected as the Grand Marshal," Carlson said, according to a press release. "I want to thank the parade committee for this honor. Never in a million years did I ever imagine this."

Carlson said that St. Patrick's Day was a "celebration of culture" and was reminded of watching the St. Patrick's Day Parade with his father, a retired NYPD officer who told stories of his work on the force which would inspire the younger Carlson to join the force. 

"Like so many other cultures, the Irish have a proud history of service to this country, and I feel blessed to walk among them," Carlson said in a statement. "I am committed to this community, the health and happiness of the men and women who serve their great communities each day and night, particularly those here in Tucson, and the thousands of servicemen and women who serve, and have served our great nation."

Carlson said that even though he might not have an Irish last name, that "being Irish is like being from Arizona." Most people in Arizona aren't actually from there, but they migrate there and bring their culture and traditions with them.

"On St. Patrick’s Day, we celebrate the Irish and we get to share our stories," Carlson said. "When you share your story, you share a part of yourself that others will remember.  So share a gat, share your whiskey and share your story, because today, on this very special St. Patrick’s Day to me, we are all Irish."