Over 5,000 marchers from across the state step off from Oneida Square and head north on Genesee Street to greet spectators with their music and smiling faces. Info is from the 'City of Utica' website, with minor edits for accuracy. Patrick’s Day Parade was started over 30 years ago [approximately 1985] by Johnnie Oakes and a small group of Irishmen who walked down Varick Street. At that time, the
parade consisted of one band and a few vehicles. The parade was later led by a group of gentlemen that assembled at Roger’s Coffee Shop known to many as The Rainbow Sportsmen Club. As the parade grew over the years, the Adelphia Cable Cares Club was asked to present the parade. In 2008 the Great American Irish Festival, an all-volunteer organization whose primary mission is to promote Irish culture and music, was asked to assume the responsibility of parade presenter. From Wikipedia:
Due to its expanding size and the desire for a more family-friendly setting, the parade was moved from Varick Street to its current location on Genesee Street in 1992. The parade route steps off at Oneida Square and travels north on Genesee Street ending at Columbia Street. Many spectators find the reviewing stand area in front of the Stanley Theatre a prime location to enjoy the parade, but the fact is there is not a bad viewing spot along the route. The parade is considered one of the largest in New York State. Thousands of local families enjoy the annual parade, which includes marchers from Canada, Pennsylvania and others throughout New York State, as well as our local favorites. Patrick’s Day Parade carries on a grand tradition of Irish pride and family fun. The event caps off a traditional full week of Irish-themed and parade-related activities, including the Grand Marshal’s Reception (customary “Passing of the Shillelagh”), the raising of the Irish flag at City Hall and ceremonial painting of the “green line” down Genesee St., as well as a mass celebrating Ireland’s patron saint, St. In most recent years, a “Mad Mile” race has been added as a festive kick-off to the Parade’s start. Families and friends, wearing their best Irish outfits, assemble to dash down the Genesee Street parade route just ahead of the Utica St. Patrick’s Day Parade. With a built-in cheering crowd, this one-mile course with a slight elevation drop helps rev up both crowds and participants to enjoy the day’s festivities. The spirit of giving is also present during the parade, as food items and monetary donations are collected as part of the parade’s annual food drive to support local Mother Marianne’s West Side Kitchen.
