The Hoosick Falls St. Patrick’s Parade Committee has announced that Robert “Bobby” Ryan will lead the 2017 parade as Grand Marshal.
[private]Bobby Ryan is a lifelong resident of Hoosick Falls whose favorite holiday is St Patrick’s Day because during which he gets to celebrate his Irish heritage with his family and friends singing their favorite Irish song “The Unicorn.” He has been employed by Vishay Tansitor for 30 years. During that time he served on the Town Board for 20 years and is currently on the Village Board. Bob has been a youth baseball and soccer coach and a member of The Hoosick Falls Country Club and St. Stanislaw Society.
Ryan resides on Center St. with his wife Carol. They have 3 children: Michael and his wife Diandra; Jen and her husband Jason; and, Christopher and his girlfriend Tara. He is the son of Gladys Dooley Ryan and the late Jack Ryan.
Over the past 35+ years he may have served you a pint or two at one of the local establishments where he has bartended.
Saint Patrick’s Day Parade And IrishFest Set For March 11
On Saturday, March 11, the Village of Hoosick Falls will celebrate St. Patrick’s Day and the 26th Anniversary of the Hoosick Falls St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Twenty-six years ago, local Irishman Mike Conway and TJ Carmody wanted to find a way to keep the Irish culture and history alive in the Hoosick area, and decided that a parade was the ticket!
Please join us for this year’s event, as we host the second largest St. Patrick’s parade in the Capital District.
Participating bands in this year’s parade are The Excelsior Drum Corp, Olde Saratoga Fyfes and Drums, Taconic Pipe Band, Avant Guard Drum Line, Galloway Gaelic Pipes and Drums, and the Brass Brothers Band. The parade will also feature floats, fire trucks and marchers. Parade will begin in Wood Park, travel Main St., John St., Church St., Willard St., back down Main St., back to Wood Park. The parade will step-off at 1 pm. Line-up at 12:20 pm.
After the parade enjoy the Irish Festival at events at various locations around the Town of Hoosick. The Immaculate Conception Church hall will host The Hill Hollow Band. Irish Dance with The Hubbard Hall Irish Dancers and great corned beef sandwiches and food from Jean’s Place.
The Sand Bar Restaurant will feature the Celtic Games and Bagpipers. The Polish Hall will serve corned beef sandwiches and will host “Together Again” and the “Original Express Band.” The Eagles Club with serve corned beef dinners and feature The J 3 Experience. The Man of Kent will serve some great Irish beers and food, and Brown’s Brewery will feature Mark Jones with Irish acoustic music and great brews and food.
New this year is a family fun event. A Family and Kids Zone at Weeb’s Fish Fry Warehouse on 204 Main St. will be open from 2 to 4 pm. It will feature a Pirate Magician, Karaoke, Face Painting, Balloon Art, and a Bouncy House.
The Man of Kent Van will carry event goers to all the Irish Festival locations from 2 to 5 pm. We will also offer a Safe Rides Home program.
For information on the parade and Irish Festival check out our Facebook page or contact Kevin O’Malley at 518-686-9460 or hoosickkid@gmail.com [/private]