30th Grand Parade sponsored by the St. Patrick Society, Quad Cities, U.S.A., takes place on the streets of Rock Island and Davenport, Iowa on Saturday March 14th, beginning at 11.30 am in downtown Rock Island. Leading the parade will be Dr. Joe Seng, State Senator and also an accordionist.

Dr. Seng, (picture left from the 2015 event), a veterinarian, was diagnosed with a brain tumor in September 2014. Despite the rigors of chemotherapy, he has fulfilled all his obligations in the 2015 legislative session, and is likewise determined to wear his vintage green costume and carry his accordion as lead the St. Patrick’s Day parade. “What a great and humbling honor. It’s truly given me something – other than serving the people of Iowa – to look forward to.”

This will be Dr Seng’s 30th Grand Parade, and he has marched in every one. In the Senate he is known for occasionally serenading the assembly with his accordion. On the day of the parade he says he might just play a tune or two on his trusty accordion – “It’s not a parade unless there’s music,” he said, chuckling. “Like I have every year, I’m going to have a great time, but this one is special in so many ways.” And just the right medicine.