Saint Patrick’s Day has been celebrated in this country since before it was a country. New York’s parade has been around since 1762 – 16 years prior of the adoption of the Declaration of Independence. This year marks the 251st year folks will parade up Fifth Avenue.
Kicking off at 11 a.m. on Saturday March 17, it will progress past Saint Patrick’s Cathedral at 50th Street, continue past the American Irish Historical Society at 83rd, and the Metropolitan Museum of Art between 83rd and 86th streets. Things should wrap up ‘twixt 4:30 and 5 p.m.
Like most Saint Patrick’s parades, this one honors those who sacrifice, often in the shadows, to serve their country. In 2012 the soldiers of the Fighting 69th, Taskforce Wolfhound are being recognized. The unit served in Iraq.
Up in New England what’s billed as South Boston’s “one and only Official Saint Patrick’s Day Parade” gets underway Sunday March 18. The Allied War Veteran’s Council is the motive force here. Things start at 1 p.m., at the Broadway ‘T’ Station in South Boston, epicenter of the city’s Irish population. Amidst the joyously mournful sound of bagpipes and the beat of bodhran drums, the procession proceeds down West Broadway to East Broadway to East 4th, then to 5th Street and around Thomas Park. Then it’s on to Telegraph Street to Dorchester, ending up at Andrew Square.
Some 600,000 people are expected to line the route.
Any mention of Saint Patty’s Day parades, by definition, has got to include Chicago.
At 10 a.m. on the 17th they dye the Chicago River green. The best place to see the hue take hold is from the intersection of Michigan Avenue, Wacker Drive and the river. Two hours—at noon sharp—the parade steps off sharply from Balboa and Columbus, continuing north on Columbus Drive. If you’re looking for the viewing stand it’s located in front of Buckingham Fountain.
The weather can go to the devil. This parade’s never been cancelled – rain, snow (not likely this year) or whatever, it goes on.
Story by Jerry Chandler
(Images: fruitbit, ktylerconk)
