Buffalo Saint Patrick's Day Parade 2010
TBA

Donations to help defray the expenses of organizing and operating the 67th annual St. Patrick's Day Parade would be greatly appreciated. Donations can be sent to:

United Irish-American Assn.

245 Abbott Road

Buffalo, N.Y. 14220

History of Buffalo's St. Patrick's Day Parade

Buffalo, New York, like many other communities throughout the United States, has a large Irish-American population. The richness of Irish culture provides this population with numerous ways to celebrate its heritage throughout the year. Several Irish step dancing schools provide children and young adults with a love for this traditional art, traditional music is available in various venues nearly every weekend, and Irish theater is a highlight of Buffalo's downtown area.

The annual St. Patrick's Day Parade, however, is Buffalo's largest celebration of the Irish heritage. The Parade, which begins near Buffalo's art deco City Hall, draws people of all nationalities. The enthusiastic crowds line Delaware Avenue as the Irish dancers, bands, civic organizations, and others march proudly by in celebration and in honor of St. Patrick.

The Early Years

John Carmody served as Grand Marshal of Buffalo's first St. Patrick's Day Parade, which was held on March 17, 1916 in Buffalo's Old First Ward, an Irish-American neighborhood. It was reported that nearly 300 members of the Gaelic Athletic Association participated in this inaugural event. Unlike the parades of today, the first parade did not have floats or bands; it was simply a group of proud Irish-Americans marching in celebration of their heritage.

After the first parade, local churches began to assist with organizing the parade and bands were invited to participate. Later newspaper reports indicated that participation in the parade was not limited to residents of Irish extraction; rather, it seems that the only requirement was that participants be Irish for the day in question. Although Buffalonians seemed to enjoy this festive occasion, the tradition eventually disappeared from Buffalo for several years.

In 1940, New York State Senator Robert C. Lacey, perhaps inspired by Buffalo's grand St. Patrick's Day Parades of the past, decided that Buffalonians should again have the opportunity to have a Parade to celebrate Ireland's patron saint. He determined, however, that the marchers would follow a route along Main Street in downtown Buffalo. Senator Lacey worked with a dedicated committee, including: Frank White, James Considine, Charlie Meegan, Martin Gavin, Judge Patrick Keeler, George White, Edward Howell, and John McBride. After the committee had elected Senator Lacey president, the group received its charter in 1941. Thus, the United Irish American Association of Erie County, Inc. (UIAA), which still exists today, was officially formed.

With the exception of the World War II years (1942-1945), the UIAA has annually carried on the tradition begun by Senator Lacey and his committee. Even during World War II, the parade committee did not rest. They supported the war effort, and encouraged others to do so, by donating blood and praying for the safety and success of America's troops.

The UIAA convened in January 1946 and resolved to end the St. Patrick's Day Parade's wartime hiatus. The parade committee also decided to issue special invitations to Buffalo's WWII contingent. In addition to providing the service men with a chance to celebrate in a special way with their community, the parade allowed observers to again shower the troops with appreciation.

The United Irish American Association

The United Irish American Association, or UIAA as it is often called, is made up of men and women from throughout the Western New York area. The UIAA members begin meeting, on a weekly basis, several months prior to the Parade to make all of the necessary preparations. The UIAA's members work together to provide the citizens of the Greater Buffalo area with the best possible St. Patrick's Day Parade. In addition to working with the groups who are interested in participating in the Parade, the UIAA works with various City of Buffalo departments, including Police, Fire, Special Events, and Streets and Sanitation, to ensure that the Parade is as safe and enjoyable as possible.

USA ATTRACTIONS

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Irish Dancing Schools New York

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NEW YORK ATTRACTIONS

www.St-Patricks-Day.com -Buffalo Saint Patrick's Day Parade