By GirlFriday:
It’s that time of year again. To many, it’s the unofficial welcoming of spring, an unabashed celebration in the streets, a true toast to local heritage and ancestral roots… I could keep going on an on, but it’s better to just experience it for yourself if you never have. And if you are already familiar with the Saint Patrick’s Day parade in the old First Ward, well then this will be one for the record books my friends!
According to a press release sent out just yesterday, Saturday’s “Old Neighborhood” St. Patrick’s Day Parade will, for the first time, be just as large as its Sunday counterpart.
“Over 100 marching units are participating this year, making the “Old Neighborhood” St. Patrick’s Day Parade just as large as the downtown edition!!” – Valley Community Association
Saturday, you can expect to revel in all of the honor and heritage of this historic neighborhood, all while celebrating amongst the marching bands, local businesses, community floats, social clubs, bag pipers, classic cars, Irish dancers, family clans, sports groups, and fire and police departments that absolutely exemplify the true vigor of this holiday.
The parade will kick off at noon, on Saturday March 16th at the Valley Community Center, and Ann Hinman McMahon will serve as Grand Marshall. Lori Overdorf spells out the route for any newbies out there, “The parade will wind through the streets of the historic Buffalo River Community. Viewing of the parade is available along South Park Avenue (between Hamburg Street and Smith Street), Smith Street (between South Park Avenue and Elk Street), Elk Street (between Smith Street and South Park Avenue), Hamburg Street (between South Park Avenue and O’Connell Avenue) and O’Connell Avenue (between Hamburg Street and Louisiana Street).”
Once the parade winds down, you have several options to fill up your afternoon. You can continue the festivities in the street like many opt to do, roaming to and from, and in and out of the classic Irish bars populating the area. There is also a traditional grand Irish “Hooley” featuring live music by “The Left Overs’ that takes place in the Valley Community Center, running from 1-6pm. There really is no better way to spend this holiday weekend, than a Saturday afternoon, beer in hand, friends all around (some old, and some you’ve just made that day), truly rejoicing in and celebrating this historic neighborhood, and all that it represents.
But don’t party too hard. Sunday brings another giant parade, and a fun “post party” at The Hotel @ The Lafayette… I’m planning on hitting up both parades and then the post party for good green measure!
*Photo: Ann Hinman McMahon (left) with Peg Overdorf (right)