St. Patrick's celebrations set to quash mid-winter blues

Parades, bar-crawls and more in Buffalo-Niagara; Youngstown parade is one of WNY’s best

By Terry Duffy

Editor-in-Chief

And just like that, we are now into March. Late-winter blues are occupying the area’s mindset it seems. The Sabres are just about out of the playoffs; the lake is frozen; and now even Canada is mad at us.

What to do?

Well, there’s always St. Patrick’s Day – one of life’s happenings to look forward to around here. Plans are shaping nicely for a number of fun St. Patrick’s Day activities in Buffalo-Niagara.

It all boils down to how we do it, says the online financial platform WalletHub.

WalletHub analysts rank Buffalo-Niagara at No. 8 among 200 cities in the U.S. when it comes to St. Patrick’s Day celebrations. It rates the region No. 6 for St. Patrick’s Day traditions.

WalletHub analyst Cassandra Happe said, “St. Patrick’s Day celebrates the Irish, but it’s become a beloved cultural holiday for millions of Americans regardless of their ancestry. The best cities for St. Patrick’s Day combine rich traditions with tasty and affordable food, safe conditions to celebrate, and good weather. Celebrating in one of these cities will increase your chances of having a memorable holiday, as long as you don’t overdo it.”

Yes, this area blessed with so many fun things to do on St. Patrick’s Day. Just check out the dozens of events found at allevents.in/Buffalo.

“Celebrate this festive occasion with a variety of fun-filled activities, parades, pub crawls, and live entertainment,” its post states. “Whether you're seeking family-friendly events or vibrant nightlife celebrations, Buffalo has something for everyone.”

So, what are some good ones?

Youngstown's St. Patrick's Day (File photo)

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•Well, one of the best is a small community celebration on Saturday, March 15, in Youngstown. Known as the annual O’Riordan St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the event, now in its 13th year, pays tribute to the village’s beloved Mayor Neil Riordan, who passed away in the early 2000s. Presented by the Youngstown Business and Professional Association and the Village of Youngstown, it’s a fine celebration of Irish culture. Best of all, anyone can join in.

“No cost, just a good family fun event,” said Cheryl Irish Butera of the YBPA. “Anyone can march; there will be live music, warm potato soup (provided by the Youngstown Village Diner) and prizes for the best ‘float’ ” awarded to children, as well as adults, who march in the parade.

Led by 2025 grand marshal Town of Porter Councilman Tim Adamson, the parade starts at noon at Main/Hinman streets on the village’s south end. Look for such marchers as the McCarthy School of Irish Dance, the MacKenzie Highlanders Pipes and Drums, Niagara Clown Alley, the Youngstown Lions Club, Youngstown Volunteer Fire Co., and town and village officials.

Also, there will be a selection of area businesses and organizations, including KIPO Ransomville with Greg Taylor’s Green vehicle; Salon Christine & Co., This Must Be the Place Guest House, and Bandana’s Bar & Grill with Butera and YBPA President Melissa Kudel. Also, Niagara County Sheriff Michael Filicetti and the NCSO units, Niagara County Legislator Irene Myers, the Youngstown Police Department, VFW Lake Ontario Post 313, Youngstown Presbyterian Church, St. John’s Episcopal Church, the Griffon Brewery, the Youngstown Diner and the Ontario House (Jug).

The route heads north on Main to Falkner Park, near the entrance to Fort Niagara State Park, does an about face and heads back south to the Main/Lockport intersection near the Ontario House (Jug). There, visitors will be treated to a musket display by Old Fort Niagara’s Robert Emerson and OFN soldiers, and prizes will be awarded by Myers.

Following the parade is the Youngstown Lions cash bash, starting at 1 p.m. at the Youngstown firehall, 625 Third St.

For more on St. Patrick’s Day happenings in Youngstown, visit the YBPA pages on Facebook.

Metro Creative Graphics

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•The annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in downtown Buffalo takes place from 2-4:30 p.m., Sunday, March 16, along Delaware Avenue, presented by the United Irish American Association. Look for dozens of units, Irish floats and dance troops.

“The United Irish American Association is delighted to announce the St. Patrick’s Day Parade,” a post stated. UIAA promotes its mission as “To conduct a great, family-friendly, religious, patriotic, and civic event in Buffalo that honors St. Patrick and displays the Irish contributions to our community and country.”

For more on the Buffalo parade, visit https://buffalostpatricksdayparade.com/index.html.

Wrapping up, yet a few more in Niagara are the St. Patrick’s Day weekend celebration by Mr. Ms. Bar and Grill on Hyde Park Boulevard in the Falls. It starts at noon on Saturday and continues until Sunday. Pat Stack’s 10th annual St. Patrick’s Day party is from 4-9 p.m. Monday, March 17, at Somewhere on Blairville Road in Youngstown.

The Niagara Falls Convention Center welcomes the return of Western New York's largest St. Patrick's Day party on Friday, March 14. (Submitted)

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Destination Niagara USA Press Release & Photo

The Niagara Falls Ancient Order of Hibernians proudly presents the 41st annual Niagara Falls St. Patrick’s Day Party & Parade, set to take place Friday, March 14. This beloved community celebration will kick off at 4:45 p.m. with the “World’s Shortest Parade” at the corner of Old Falls Street and Rainbow Boulevard, before continuing with an evening of Irish festivities inside the Niagara Falls Convention Center until 10 p.m.

Attendees can look forward to an unforgettable evening filled with traditional Irish food, drinks, and lively entertainment. Music will be provided by Tom Keefer and Celtic Cross, delivering the energetic sounds of Celtic rock, while the talented dancers from the McCarthy School of Irish Dance will captivate the crowd with their dynamic performances.

“The Niagara Falls St. Patrick’s Day celebration has been a longstanding tradition in our community, bringing people together to embrace and honor Irish heritage,” said Nick Melson, vice president of the Niagara County Division 1 Ancient Order of Hibernians “We are thrilled to once again host this event, and invite everyone to join us for a night of fun and festivity.”

Tickets for the event are available online in advance for $12 or can be purchased at the door for $15. For more information or to secure tickets, visit: https://www.niagarafallsusa.com/events-calendar/41st-annual-niagara-falls-st-patricks-day-party-and-parade/.

The mission of Destination Niagara USA is to expand the economic prosperity of the Niagara Falls USA communities by generating individual and group visitation. For more information, visit niagarafallsusa.com.