By Melanie Lekocevic
Capital Region Independent Media
GREENVILLE — Get ready to don the green as Greenville prepares to celebrate the Emerald Isle with its annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday.
The parade was on hiatus for two years due to the COVID-19 pandemic, but is now ready to make its return March 19, for its 47th annual event.
“It feels good to have the parade again,” parade co-chairperson Anne Lafferty said Wednesday.
It is unclear how many marchers and floats will participate, but the American Legion Color Guard will head up the parade, followed by the police and the grand marshal with her aides, Lafferty said.
This year’s grand marshal will be Tara Tolan, and her aides will be Monica Alfesi and Eileen Bowden. The Irish Colleen will be Molly Robertson.
The Cairo-Durham High School marching band will provide the music — Greenville’s band was unable to attend this year, Lafferty said. Other groups that have already indicated they will participate include local fire companies and the rescue squad, along with groups like a newly formed Brownie troop.
“A lot of groups haven’t responded but they come every year,” Lafferty said.
Any group is welcome to march in the parade and is asked to please call co-chairs Betty Hayden at 518-966-5623 or Anne Lafferty at 518-527-0034.
“All are welcome to participate because this is for the entire community,” Lafferty said. “Everyone who wants to march is more than welcome.”
Parade line-up will begin at 12:30 p.m. in the parking lot at St. John’s Church on Route 81 and will march to the intersection of Routes 81 and 32, and conclude at the Greenville Public Library on Route 32.
One difference compared to past parades is the afterparty. Usually held at St. John’s Roman Catholic Church, this year the festivities — including music and refreshments — will be held in the cafeteria at Scott M. Ellis Elementary School on Route 32 due to a leaky roof at the church, Lafferty said.
The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a beloved Greenville tradition and organizers are hoping a big crowd will turn out for the festivities, both marchers and spectators.
The parade is sponsored each year by the Greenville Irish American Club.
