BUFFALO, N.Y. (WKBW) — 26 straight years, the "Old Neighborhood" St. Patrick's Day Parade has marched through the valley and first ward in Buffalo but could 2019 be it's last?
Financial issues and struggling support have kept the event in jeopardy for the past few years, leaving the 2020 parade up in the air. Executive Director of the parade, Peg Overdorf says it's been a challenge all 26 years jokingly, but without sponsors and young volunteers, she says this parade will not go on.
“Despite all the challenges, lack of money, lack of support, we’ve kept it going. This year, people came out in force to help me but they have to continue that in future years to keep it going," Overdorf said.
The parade saw thousands of community members show their support of the long standing tradition- a tradition nobody seems to want to see go.
“Coming all the way from Lake Tahoe, Nevada and California to be with cousins and family and walk int he parade where my grandparents grew up in the old first ward," Madonna Dunbar said. "This isn't the last year, we'll walk [if we have to]."
Corporate sponsors must be submitted to the Valley Community Association by January 1, for the 2020 "Old Neighborhood" St. Patrick's Day Parade.
