Community State Bank’s ‘Cruiser’ Set to Make 2025 Debut
KENOSHA – Community State Bank is a proud sponsor of the inaugural Eric Olson Memorial St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday, March 15 in downtown Kenosha.
There are over 70 entries expected for the 11 a.m. parade. The 1.2-mile route begins at Simmons Island, 5001 Fourth Ave. and travels south through downtown to historic Library Park, 711 59th Place.
The all-day festivities kick off at 8:30 a.m. with the Dyeing of the Harbor Green Ceremony at the Kenosha Harbor outside Anna’s on the Lake, 5159 Sixth Ave.
“When city officials announced they were hosting Kenosha’s first-ever St. Patrick’s Day Parade, we immediately wanted to be a part of what we hope will become a new local tradition,” Community State Bank Executive VP Robert Pieroni said.
“We’ll be decked out in green to celebrate this memorable day.”
Community State Bank is bringing along its beloved “Cruiser,” a 1959 Shasta camper affectionately renamed “O’Cruiser” to honor Irish tradition.
Bank employees and family members will pass out shamrock rubber ducks and lucky gold coins to those along the parade route.
“We’re always excited to show off ‘Cruiser’ in the community, but there is a little something special about this event,” Pieroni said. “We can’t wait to get outside again and celebrate with everyone.”
In 2023, "Cruiser" made 315 stops and handed out over 10,000 ice cream bars to celebrate Community State Bank's 125th anniversary.
"We're excited to have 'Cruiser' back in action," Community State Bank's Neil Buchanan said. "We're gearing up for another year on the road to greet everyone and have some fun. Our first event of 2025 is going to be an incredible one."
Other parade entries include Kenosha Mayor David Bogdala, Kenosha Area Pipes and Drums Association, Kenosha Area Vietnam Veterans color guard, Kenosha Police Department Motorcycle Unit, Big Style Brass Band and 2025 Miss Kenosha Nellyka Dennis.
The festivities also include a 2K run-walk and a Children’s Parade.
The sold-out St. Paddy’s Guinness 2K (1.2 miles) run-walk begins at 10 a.m. at Captain Mike’s, 5118 Sixth Ave.
Participants run or walk through downtown Kenosha – stopping at three checkpoints to chug a Guinness beer – before crossing the finish line at Captain Mike’s.
Swede's, 510 56th St., hosts its sixth annual Children’s Parade at 1 p.m. following the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Festivities continue with the St. Patrick’s Day Family Fun Fest in Library Park. The event includes a petting farm, face painting, cookie decorating and leprechaun hunt.
Family Fun Fest is sponsored by Cut Stone, Blue House Books and Grandma’s Cookie Cottage. The parade is presented by the City of Kenosha, Downtown Kenosha and the Lakeshore Business Improvement District.
Community State Bank is one of over 40 parade sponsors. CSB is a locally owned and operated community bank serving Southeast Wisconsin since 1898.
To learn more, visit csb.bank.