McLean Avenue annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade is set for March 23rd

Joanie Madden named grand marshal for hugely popular family day out in Irish community

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The McLean Avenue St Patrick's Day Parade, set for March 23rd, a great celebration in the Irish community

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On March 23, 2013, McLean Avenue in Yonkers, New York will host its second annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The event commences at 1 p.m., and proceeds through the largely Irish neighborhood.

Sponsored by the McLean Avenue Merchants Association (M.A.M.A.), the parade seeks to build upon last year’s successes.

Parade Chairperson Deirdre O’Mara says, “This year’s parade is going to be equally as important, as we continue the momentum and make McLean Avenue the premier destination for St. Patrick’s Day festivities.

“For 10 to 15 years, this neighborhood has been the Irish destination of choice. It’s a great area, and I am looking forward to seeing everyone out there.”

The parade announced its grand marshal Joanie Madden – a gifted musician known primarily for her work with Cherish the Ladies, recently.  Aides include Tommy Flynn, Hugh McMorrow, Dympna Tully and Danny Ventarola.

Fourteen pipes and drums bands will perform during the parade, including the N.Y.C. Volunteer Firefighters Pipe Band and the Rockland County Ancient Order of Hibernians Pipe Band.
A flat-bed truck will transport bands Shilelagh Law and Jameson’s Revenge along the route, which begins at Bronx River Road and ends at Coyne Park.

Dublin native O’Mara, an Irish dancing instructor, expressed excitement at the latter.

She says, “My students will dance behind the bands whenever they play, so I’m really looking forward to that.”

M.A.M.A. member Oliver Charles, owner of The Butcher’s Fancy, also “looks forward to the day, with all the hard work and all the meetings.”

After mass and before the parade, he and Eugene Collum – owner of the Heritage Bar & Restaurant – will host an Irish breakfast at St. Barnabas Church in the Bronx, N.Y.

Vehicular traffic will be barred throughout the parade, allowing attendees to peruse freely local bars, restaurants and shops.

Retailers will sell commemorative shirts for $15 and $20, which can be purchased at various shops along the avenue.

To become a “Friend of the McLean Avenue St. Patrick’s Day Parade,” one can donate $20 by signing up on an official M.A.M.A. sheet. The name of anyone who donates will be published in the journal.

For more information, please follow the event on Facebook.

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