Thousands are expected in South Buffalo Saturday for the annual "Old Neighborhood Saint Patrick's Day Parade."
"Come hell or high water, we're going to have a parade," said event organizer, Peg Overdorf. "It's not here in western New York. I think there's a lot of media hype," she added.
Overdorf is talking about COVID-19, and she's not fazed despite growing concerns over the virus.
The parade's kickoff location, Community Valley Association, was in full swing on Wednesday, decorating and cooking corned beef and hash by the pot-full. The community center is expecting hundreds of visitors.
Buffalo's Saint Patrick's Day Parade along Delaware Avenue on Sunday is also still going on as scheduled.
"If there's a need to cancel, we will do that without hesitation," said Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown.
The state hasn't yet directed municipalities to cancel Saint Patrick's events. But, Governor Andrew Cuomo said he's considering it.
"Why would you risk bringing thousands together knowing that this is a virus that easily communicates," Cuomo asked.
For now, Mayor Brown said since Erie County hasn't seen a single confirmed case, he is allowing the parade to continue as scheduled. "If we were to see a case, it would be a tipping point in a cancellation of events," Brown said.
