The 34th Annual York Saint Patrick’s Day Parade will step off at 1 p.m. on Saturday, March 11, 2017, from Market and Penn Streets, and proceed east on Market to Duke Street.
Approximately 100 entries are expected to take part in this annual celebration of Celtic heritage, including bands, Irish dance groups, floats, antique and decorated vehicles, clowns, individuals and family groups, organizations, and media entries. More than $2,000 in prizes will be awarded in a variety of categories; the entry judged Best of Parade will win $400.
This year’s Grand Marshal is Lynda O’Byrne Randall.
Spectators are encouraged to head downtown early on parade day for a variety of entertainment and merchant promotions in several locations throughout the day. Be sure to check the parade Facebook page (www.Facebook.com/YorkStPatParade) or web site (www.yorksaintpatricksdayparade.org) for all the details as the parade date nears.
Fair Interpreting will once again provide sign language interpreting services at Continental Square during the parade, so that the Deaf and Hard of Hearing Community near Continental Square will be able to enjoy commentary on entries as they pass the reviewing stand.
White Rose Community Television Channel 18 will televise the parade live. For parade-lovers who are out-of-town, the parade may be viewed live online at www.WRCT.tv (and also available after the parade as a Video on Demand). This year’s television coverage is sponsored by the Penn-Mar Irish Festival.
Mel Conrad returns to Continental Square on parade day, drawing caricatures beginning at 11:15 a.m. to entertain those who arrive early with hope of securing a great seat along the parade route. There will also be face painting, balloon twists, and jumbo coloring pages to keep youngsters occupied until the parade arrives. These children’s activities are made possible by the generosity of Children’s Dental Centre of York, a long-time parade supporter.
The parade draws an estimated 10,000 people downtown each year, and is a huge boost for downtown merchants.
The parade is organized by the York Saint Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, Inc., an all-volunteer, not-for-profit organization. This is the 19th year the group has organized the parade, which has grown dramatically since the City of York relinquished responsibility of the event in January 1999.
The parade is funded by corporate sponsors, entry fees, and a variety of fundraising activities planned throughout the year:
• Limited edition commemorative t-shirts
• There's Guinness In It fundraiser at Central Market York
• Specialty soaps created by Sunrise Soap Company
The parade committee is still seeking additional sponsors to help fund this year’s parade. Those interested should email the parade committee at YorkStPatParade@gmail.com.
For more information, visit www.YorkSaintPatricksDayParade.org or call (717) 578-0146. You can also follow the parade on Twitter (@YorkStPatParade) and Facebook (www.facebook.com/YorkStPatParade).
Details on the parade, pre- and post-parade entertainment, and related events will be updated online on a regular basis as the parade date nears. A parade route map, which shows nearby parking options, will also be available for downloading in early March.
