Rochester St. Patrick’s Day Parade is getting back in town next weekend

Rochester, New York – Those who still don’t have plans for the upcoming weekend, Rochester St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be great opportunity to spend time with friends and family, an event that is set to take place on Saturday, March 12, at 12:30 p.m.
Due to the pandemic and all the safety protocols in place in the last two years, this year’s parade is the first to be organized after two years.
The parade organizers confirmed that the parade will begin at the intersection of East Avenue and Alexander Street in Rochester. Marchers will follow East Avenue to the Liberty Pole, then head west down Main Street. The parade will end at the corner of Main and Fitzhugh streets.
Organizations honored during the parade will include both the Ancient Order of Hibernians as well as the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians.
“The original parades were run by the Ancient Order of Hibernians, a Catholic men’s order that was started in Ireland to protect priests almost 300 years ago. Once in the states, it assisted immigrant families in the ways of their new country,” explained Chris Shalvoy, past president and current committee member of the Tops Rochester St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
“We’re very excited to have people back in the community and coming forward, obviously for this opportunity for us to gather one more time outdoors surrounding our patron St. Patrick,” Past President and Board Member for the Rochester St. Patrick’s Day Parade Mark Dowdell said.
“We’re looking forward to all of the camaraderie that’s been missed for the past couple of years. Our Parade Committee is very anxious to put the product back out on the street for people to absorb and enjoy. We’ve got 11 bands, marching groups of dancers, and shenanigans. The Leprechaun will be there, of course, and St. Patrick himself.”
While the situation with the Covid-19 is better compared to last year and the year before, organizers say safety protocols remain a top priority for everyone involved in the organization process. No specific pandemic measures will be enforced during the event, but everyone that feels unsafe or uncomfortable can maintain a social distance and of course, wear face mask.
Rochester Police Department and the Monroe County Sheriff’s Office officials will take care about the security during the event. In addition to the local authorities, organizers confirmed they have their own security and safety team and they believe everyone will have great time during the parade.
“We look forward to this event for many, many different reasons,” Dowdell said. “One of those reasons is obviously the economic boon that it brings to the city because of the fact that so many businesses along the parade route and even outside the parade route will benefit greatly by the presence of all the people.”
The public is invited to attend a pre-parade Mass at 9 a.m. March 12 at St. Mary Church, located at 15 St. Mary’s Place in Rochester, Shalvoy said.