The 2024 Yonkers St. Patrick’s Day Parade on McLean Avenue has been postponed from this Saturday, March 23 to Saturday, April 6, due to weather concerns.
"As a result of the predicted extreme weather expected this Saturday, the Yonkers St. Patrick’s Parade on McLean Avenue is unfortunately being postponed for 2 weeks until Saturday, April 6, 2024 at 1 PM," parade co-chairs Ursula McIntyre and Deirdre O'Mara said in a statement on Thursday afternoon, less than 48 hours from the parade's anticipated step-off.
"On that date, we will start the day with Holy Mass at 11:15 am at St. Barnabas Chapel, immediately followed by the start of the Parade at 1 PM outside the Chapel door at McLean and Hyatt Avenues, Yonkers.
"We regret any inconvenience this change of date causes any of our participants or spectators, but given the weather forecast we believe it is the most prudent action to maintain not only the comfort but the safety of all.
"We hope you will be able to join us under brilliant sunny skies on April 6th, only 2 short weeks away."
According to The Weather Channel, the area of Yonkers where the parade was set to march through has a 100% chance of rain on Saturday, with an estimated 2 to 3 inches of rain being forecast.
Earlier in the week, parade organizers said that Saturday’s event would be going ahead “rain or shine.”
However, they backtracked on Wednesday, saying on social media: “We are in communication with both the city and the YPD [Yonkers Police Department] and a decision will be made tomorrow afternoon.
“If we need to postpone based on rain storms heading our way the new date will be April 6th.
“Thank you for your support and patience.”
Deirdre O'Mara, a Dublin native and co-chairperson of the parade, previously said that an estimated 20,000 to 30,000 spectators lined McLean Avenue last year to view the parade's nearly 6,000 marchers.
McLean Avenue in Yonkers, New York is nicknamed “The Emerald Mile” and the tight-knit neighborhood has become a home away from home for scores of Irish immigrants - the area is dotted with Irish pubs, Irish restaurants, Irish dance schools, Irish music schools, and nearly every deli and shop is stocked with Irish goods.
Restaurants and pubs local to McLean Avenue are expected to keep their entertainment schedules on Saturday despite the parade's cancellation.
The line of march for the March 23 parade had already been issued and the traditional 'green line' had also been already painted down McLean Avenue.
Moira Kiernan, a long-time Parade Committee member, is serving as Grand Marshal of the 67th Yonkers St. Patrick's Day Parade on McLean Avenue. The eight aides to the Grand Marshal are Martin Bellew, Marge Delaney, Dawn Doherty, Ailish Doran, Andrew Hayden, Andrew McLaughlin, Jennifer McSpedon, and Kiera O'Connor.
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