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NEWS
IN WEST SENECA FIRE DISTRICT 2 |
March 14, 2010
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Photos - St.
Patrick's Day Parade
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St.
Patrick’s Day Parade Union Firefighters
dressed in turnout gear marched in front of Union Engine 1, adorned with Green Maltese Crosses signifying the day,
and partook in the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Downtown Buffalo,
signaling the first time ever Union Fire Company was involved in the popular
event. Union Fire Chief Jeff Warner,
aided by Lieutenant Peter Stachowski, having known of other suburban
departments that have been regulars in the Parade, decided to round up a
group of fellow Officers and Firefighters and ventured to have Union as part
of this year’s parade. The
annual St. Patrick's Day Parade, sponsored by the United Irish
American Association, is billed as Buffalo's largest celebration of
Irish heritage. The 2:00 P.M. Parade travels down Delaware Avenue from
Buffalo's City Hall and ends at North Street. Thousands of
spectators, regardless of what Buffalo Weather may offer, come out each year
for the parade and watch Irish dancers, bands, civic organizations, and
others march proudly by in celebration and in honor of St. Patrick. First held on March 17, 1913, when a group of Buffalo's Irish immigrants decided to manifest their allegiance to both their native and their adopted countries, the Buffalo St. Patrick's Day Parade pays tribute to the patron saint of Ireland. First Parade Marshal Mike Quinn led a group of 5,000 marchers from the Elk Street Market Terminal to Euclid Place and back in sub-zero temperatures. After a hiatus from 1917 - 1935, the parade has been held every year since 1935, with the exception of World War II years (1942-45). The Parade was postponed for a week only once, in 1997, when more than 18 inches of snow fell and wind chills of 30 below threatened frostbite. Today four generations have worn the top hat, worn cutaways, and carried the blackthorn that belonged to Mike Quinn. Today the parade is always held the Sunday closest to St. Patrick's Day (March 17). The United Irish American Association works with the City of Buffalo each year to organize the parade, and each year the UIAA selects a grand marshal from among its members. The parade route was moved from Main Street to Delaware Avenue in 1981 to allow for more spectators. Photos
of Union in the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Downtown Buffalo |
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