St. Patrick's Day 2022: Yonkers parade returns after 2 year hiatus

Heather Clark, Rockland/Westchester Journal News
·2 min read
Scenes from the 64th annual Yonkers St. Patrick's Day Parade along McLean Avenue in the city, March 23, 2019.

The St. Patrick's Day Parade is returning to Yonkers in 2022.

This year's 65th annual parade will march on McLean Avenue on March 19, stepping off at 1 p.m.

"It's hard to believe it's been two years, it feels like a million," Deirdre O'Mara, co-chairperson of the parade, said.

"I know from my experience in the world of Irish dance, we lost the world championships (and other competitions) but when they came back, they came back so strong."

The parade has not taken place since 2019, having been canceled in 2020 and 2021 due to concerns related to the COVID-19 pandemic. This year also marks ten years since the parade's first march down the city's "Emerald Mile."

"The return of Yonkers' second oldest parade signifies renewal for our city, once again gathering and celebrating our community as we love to do," Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano said. "I look forward to meeting everyone on McLean and seeing our neighborhoods come alive once again."

Business: From humble beginnings, White Plains barber now stylist to sports stars

TV: HBO's 'Gilded Age' showcases pivotal time in Hudson Valley history

Life: Ice Castles opens at Lake George with spectacular caves, fountains, tunnels

Those who were set to be honored at the 2020 parade will be honored during the 2022 parade, including the parade's grand marshal Patricia McCrudden.

Leading up to the parade, the Irish flag will rise over city hall at 4 p.m. on March 1; on March 15 a green line will be painted on McLean Avenue, and before the parade on March 19, a Mass will be held at 11 a.m. at St. Barnabas High School's chapel.

After a two-year hiatus, parade organizers worry about having enough participants.

"We invite everybody and marching groups to join us," O'Mara said. "But I think people will come back with a vengeance after such a hiatus. We're looking forward to a great day along McLean Avenue and pray for nice weather."

For more information, go to yonkersstpatricksparade.org or visit the parade organizer's Facebook page, facebook.com/Yonkers-St-Patricks-Day-Parade-on-McLean-Avenue.

Heather Clark covers business openings and closings throughout Westchester, Rockland and Putnam counties. Keep up on the latest comings and goings by joining our Facebook group at What's going there Westchester, Rockland, Putnam. Contact Clark via email, hclark@lohud.com.

This article originally appeared on Rockland/Westchester Journal News: St. Patrick's Day 2022: Yonkers parade returns after 2 year hiatus