Saint Patrick’s Day weekend in Western New York means most are Irish at least for a couple of days. The Saint Patty's Day festivities kicked off Saturday at noon with the 23rd Annual Old Neighborhood Parade.
Henry "Corky" Connors was the grand marshal. He led things off at the Valley Community Center. The parade made its way through the "valley" and old first ward neighborhoods. It retraced the original parade route from 1913.
“It was really cool because like every year they do something different, or bring out someone new. The Irish dancers is actually the best part because I like the way they dance,” explained Amanda Tesmer.
“This is an awesome parade,” said spectator, Roberta Gerrity. “It's a lot of fun. People are so kind and funny and everybody comes out dressed in attire from head to toe with different things and it's just awesome.”
Buffalo Police reported no major incidents at the event. Police said they issued nearly 40 tickets for violation of the open container law. Police also issued 20 summons for illegal parking.
Police remind parade goers for Sunday's St. Patrick's Day Parade in downtown Buffalo the open container law will continue to be enforced. It kicks off at 2 PM from Niagara Square.
Officials also remind those planning on attending to car pool if possible or to use the metro with large crowds expected.
