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Home > Leadership > Mayor > Archive Press Releases > 2009 Archives > March 2009 > Mayor Attends St. Patricks Day Celebration

Mayor Attends St. Patricks Day Celebration

Contact: Peter K. Cutler
              851-4841


“Old Neighborhood” and Delaware Avenue Parades Attract Hundreds of Participants and Thousands of Spectators

This past weekend, Mayor Byron Brown attended both the 16th Annual “Old Neighborhood” Parade in Buffalo’s Old First Ward, and the 67th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade along Delaware Avenue. 

“These parades, each a tribute to Buffalo’s strong Irish heritage, demonstrate how vibrant and diverse Buffalo is,” said Mayo Brown.  “While our city’s residents of Irish descent are understandably enthusiastic about the St. Patrick’s Day parades, thousands of non-Irish spectators join in on these very exciting celebrations, especially when we have such beautiful weather!”

The Old Neighborhood Parade, sponsored by the Valley Community Association, was held on Saturday, March 14th, 2009 and featured over 75 different marching groups.  The parade was dedicated to former NYS Assemblyman Richard “Dick” Keane and former Mayor Jimmy Griffin.  John Scanlon, a native resident of the Old First Ward and a former member of the Griffin Administration, served as Grand Marshall of the famed “neighborhood” parade that begins in the Valley and ends in the Old First Ward.
 
Sunday’s parade, organized by the United Irish-American Association of Erie County, drew in crowds from Niagara Square to North Street along Delaware Avenue.  The parade’s Grand Marshal was David J. Tilly, Treasurer of the UIAA and former parade volunteer and Division Marshall; Tilly’s father, James and brother, Kevin served as Deputy Grand Marshals. 

The Mayor was joined by local elected officials, including Congressman Brian Higgins and County Legislator Tim Kennedy, who marched alongside him in both parades.

Both days were highlighted by gorgeous weather, boosting record crowds at each parade.  Police estimated that approximately 100,000 spectators lined sun-drenched Delaware Avenue along Sunday’s one-mile parade route.