MIDTOWN (WABC) — One of New York City’s greatest and oldest traditions is back, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade!
It is the world’s oldest St. Patrick’s Day parade.
It was first noted in New York in 1762. This will be the 262nd celebration.
Officers are already on Fifth Avenue in Manhattan preparing to set up barricades.
You’ll want to keep this in mind when you leave the house in the morning, many streets are closed.
Street closures will begin at 10 a.m., and Fifth Avenue from 42nd to 86th Street and all cross streets will be closed to vehicular and bicycle traffic along the parade route.
The parade starts at 11 a.m., with about 150,000 people marching down Fifth Avenue from East 44th Street to 79th Street. Completion is expected at 4:30 p.m
Organizers say this year’s parade will raise money for Catholic Charities, City Harvest and City Meals on Wheels, organizations that work to help people have better access to food.
Mayor Eric Adams spoke Thursday about the contribution of the Irish to the city.
“But also know the Irish history of building the Brooklyn Bridge, the subway system, joining our police force and other public servants. Going through some of the normal challenges of being a new arrival here in America, like many other ethnic groups,” Adams said.
Many different groups will perform during the parade, including the Port Authority’s Pipes and Drums. They gave a preview to commuters Thursday before the parade in the main lobby of the 42nd Street Bus Terminal.
If you’re going to the parade, be aware that crowds are expected. You will need to arrive on the parade route early if you want to get close to the event.
The LIRR is launching 10 additional trains to Penn Station and Grand Central. NJ Transit also made adjustments to the advisory.
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