submitted by Kevin O’Malley
The Tradition Continues. Hoosick Falls’ 24th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade is slated for Saturday, March 14. Twenty-four years ago local Irishmen Mike Conway and TJ Carmody wanted to find a way to keep the Irish culture and history alive in the Hoosick area. They decided that a parade was the ticket!
[private]The second largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade in the Capital District, this year’s event features an extensive parade line-up, a traditional meal of corned beef and cabbage and free trolley rides between five different area venues hosting Irish celebrations.
The parade will step off at 1 pm from Wood Park and will feature floats, dance troupes, fire trucks and seven bands, including the Hoosick Falls High School Band, the Olde Saratoga Fyfes and Drums, the Taconic Pipe Band, the Berkshire Highlanders Pipe Band, Galloway Gaelic Pipes and Drums and the Capital Brass Drum Corps. Floats and parade entrants are still being accepted.
After the parade, the St. Patrick’s Committee will host a family fun event at the HAYC3 Armory. Enjoy a complete corned beef and cabbage dinner to include Irish soda bread and dessert while listening to great Irish music by the Craic Agus Ceol Band. Bagpipers and Irish dance performed by the Hubbard Hall Dancers round out the day’s events. Tickets to the post-parade event are limited and can be purchased at Thorpe’s, True Value or from any committee member.
The Albany Trolley
New to this year’s celebration is the Albany Trolley. The trolley will be available from 2 to 5 pm to transport people between five area venues hosting Irish celebrations. This will be free to riders thanks to donations.
Trolley stops include Brown’s Walloomsac Brewery Taproom, The Sand Bar Restaurant, The Polish Hall, The Eagle’s Club and The Man of Kent.
Brown’s Walloomsac Brewery Taproom will be featuring “Diz” and Tim Foley playing some great Irish music and serving two great Irish brews, Brown’s Irish Ale and Brown’s Irish Stout. A food truck will be on hand to feed the hungry.
The Sand Bar Restaurant will feature the much loved Celtic Games and bagpipers. The Polish Hall will serve corned beef sandwiches and the Brewsters and the Original Express Band will both be on hand to perform. The Red Handed Band will play at The Eagle’s Club where corned beef dinners will also be served. As usual, The Man of Kent will be serving great Irish beers and food all day.
Safe rides home will be provided from 4 pm to midnight by Steve’s Taxi at 677-2503. Rides are free but don’t forget to tip your driver!
For information on the parade and events, contact Kevin O’Malley at 518-686-9460 or hoosickkid@gmail.com or Marie O’Neil at 518-686-4829, or visit the Hoosick Falls, NY, St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Irish Fest – 2013 Facebook page.
Hoosick Falls St. Patrick’s Parade Line-Up
Michael Conway Division #1 – Main St. And Wood Park.
Hoosick Falls Police Department
American Legion Honor Guard
Taconic Pipe Band
Grand Marshal Christian Bradley
Past Grand Marshals Float
Albany Trolley/Past Grand Marshals
St. Mary’s Academy
Excelsior Drum Corps
Hoosick Falls Fire Department
Hoosick Falls Central School Champions
VFW Post 1938
Eagles Float
Hoosick Falls Health Center
Berkshire Highlanders Pipes and Drums
North Hoosick Fire Department
Helen Brady Division #2 – Main St. Trustco Bank South.
Rensselaer County Sheriff Color Guard
Building Wild Float
FP Inc.
O’Malley Float
White Creek Fire Department
Fifes and Drums of Olde Saratoga
Stephens and Sons
Healers From Here – Relay for Life Team
North Bennington Fire Department
Capitol Brass Drum and Bugle Corps
Hoosick Fire Department
Kevin’s Sports Pub
Girl Scouts
Galloway Gaelic Pipes and Drums
Town Of Hoosick Rescue Squad[/private]