By Paisley Skeith SYRACUSE, N.Y. (NCC News)- The 37th annual Syracuse Saint Patrick’s Day Parade is just two weeks away. With over 30,000 people expected to attend, the community is doing a number of things to make sure this years parade remains ranked among the top in the country, according to Parade Communication Director Bridget Dunn.
The parade will offer new and old attractions.
“The parade is largely about tradition so we do bring back a lot of old favorites. I know we have some new bands participating and the Rose and the Rose buds competitions are pretty new,” Dunn said.
In the early 90’s the Rose Competition was a popular addition but by the late 90’s the tradition was discontinued. This year, the Rose competition will be offered again. The parade committee will choose a young woman of Irish-American heritage between ages 18 and 23, Dunn explained. The “Rose” must be involved in the community, Dunn added.
“The parade is embracing the city’s Irish history by getting the entire community involved,” Dunn said.
Irish pubs like Faegan’s and Coleman’s are celebrating parade day with green beer specials, traditional corn beef, green decor, and more. The parade crowds get bigger every year, Faegan’s waitress Clare Leo explained.
“We grow every year. The word gets out and more and more college students come from the popularity from Flip Nights and stuff like that so our name is getting out more,” Leo said.
This year, the parade will be followed by a “Parade Ends Here Party” at the Downtown Marriott Hotel. The party will offer Irish music, dancing, traditional Irish foods and more, Dunn said.
The parade kicks off at noon on March 19th in Clinton Square and ends on West Onondaga Street.
