Anticipation is mounting for the grand return of the Yonkers St. Patrick’s Day Parade to McLean Avenue. Scheduled for its 67th year on March 23, this year’s celebration promises to be the biggest yet, drawing thousands of spectators and participants from near and far.
Marking its resurgence post-pandemic, the parade has steadily grown in stature. Our Yonkers parade can even boast of earning the distinction of being the largest St. Patrick’s Day parade outside of New York City. According to estimates from the Yonkers Police Department, last year’s event saw a staggering attendance of tens of thousands of people. As such, the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade cemented itself as a hallmark of Yonkers’ cultural calendar.
Honored Irish Leaders
This year’s procession is set to be led by Moira Kiernan, a beloved figure in the Yonkers community. A lifelong resident and business leader, Kiernan serves as the chair of the Yonkers Chamber of Commerce and holds the position of Vice President at Orange Bank & Trust. Accompanying her as aides to the Grand Marshal are esteemed individuals from across Yonkers. Martin Bellew, Andrew Hayden, Marge Delaney, Andrew McLaughlin, Dawn Doherty, Jennifer Keating McSpedon, Ailish Doran, and Kiera O’Connor all represent the best of our city’s proud Irish heritage.
Weeks of Celebration
The festivities commenced earlier this week with the flag raising ceremony at City Hall on March 5. Mayor Mike Spano joined the parade board, Grand Marshal, and aides to officially recognize Irish American Heritage Month.
As the excitement builds towards parade day, the committee scheduled a slate of entertaining events. Next is a dinner and dance at Castle Royale on Nepperhan Avenue on March 9 at 7pm. Then, on March 20 at 10am, the ceremonial line painting near the Aisling Center at 990 McLean Avenue.
The parade day commences with a mass at St. Barnabas High School Chapel at 11:15 am on Saturday, March 23. The parade procession follows promptly at 1pm along McLean Avenue, stretching from Vireo to Coyne Park.
Expectations are high, with over 100 groups anticipated to participate, making it another milestone for the event. Dozens of local bars and restaurants are therefore gearing up for this surge in patrons.
For those unable to attend in person, the parade will be live-streamed. Courtesy of New Logical, you can view the event on platforms including YouTube, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, and Twitch.
The parade committee, under the leadership of co-chairs Deirdre O’Mara and Ursula McIntyre, encourages everyone to stay updated through their website and social media channels. For further information and to sign up for participation, visit https://yonkersstpatricksdayparade.org
