York’s 39th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade Kicks Off Festival Season

News Summary

On Saturday, March 15, York will host its 39th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade at 1 p.m. This vibrant celebration will feature colorful floats, Irish dance troupes, and lively music. The event emphasizes community spirit and encourages attendees to explore local restaurants and shops. With no city funding, the parade relies on sponsorships and donations. This celebration marks the unofficial start of the festival season in York County, while also showcasing upcoming events like the Clover St. Patrick’s Day Festival and Rock Hill’s Old Town St. Patrick’s Day Festival.

York Celebrates 39th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade as Unofficial Kickoff to Festival Season

York is buzzing with excitement as it gears up for its 39th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, happening this Saturday, March 15, at 1 p.m. This vibrant parade will traverse downtown York, starting at the intersection of West Market and Penn streets and wrapping up at Market and Duke streets. It’s a day packed full of festivities that promises to be enjoyable for everyone.

Whirlwind of Colorful Festivities

The parade will be a spectacle of color and sound featuring an engaging mix of colorful floats, spirited Irish dance troupes, and the lively sounds of bagpipe players. With various performances planned, it’s a delightful chance to immerse in the culture and traditions celebrated on this special day. The Grand Marshal for this year’s parade is Sean Kenny, the executive director of the Farm & Natural Lands Trust, who is set to lead the event with great pride.

Adding to the excitement, popular local personalities Lori Burkholder and Michael Fuller from the WGAL News team will serve as emcees, guiding the crowd through this joyful occasion.

Explore Local Hotspots

As the parade winds through downtown York, attendees are encouraged to take some time to explore the vibrant local scene. With numerous restaurants, bars, and shops sprinkled throughout the area, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to indulge in delicious food and beverages, shop for unique items, and join in the festive spirit that St. Patrick’s Day brings.

Important Parade Information

Residents planning to attend should keep in mind that the parade operates without funding from the City of York. Instead, the event relies on sponsorships, in-kind donations, and various fundraisers to keep the festivities alive. Additionally, there will be traffic restrictions during the parade, which means parking will not be allowed on East and West Market Street from 7 a.m. to 4 p.m., as well as on North and South George Street. Those planning to come down should plan accordingly to ensure a smooth experience.

A Kickoff to Festival Season

The St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in York County mark the unofficial start of the local festival season. With growing enthusiasm for community events, various towns are expanding their event lists to cater to residents’ cravings for more local activities. One exciting highlight is the Clover St. Patrick’s Day Festival taking place on March 14-15, featuring food trucks, music, vendors, and fun activities for children. It’s a fantastic opportunity to celebrate this festive occasion with the family.

Other Upcoming Events Worth Checking Out

On the same Saturday, March 15, folks can swing over to Rock Hill for the Old Town St. Patrick’s Day Festival, running from noon to 7 p.m. at the city hall amphitheater. If you’re in the mood for some music and merriment, the Main Street Shamrock Jam in Fort Mill is throwing a party that day, filled with green beer and a playful leprechaun costume contest running from noon to 8 p.m.

Mark your calendars for upcoming community events including the Come-See-Me festival in Rock Hill from April 3-12 and the South Carolina Strawberry Festival in Fort Mill on May 2-3. Plus, the city of Tega Cay will be hosting its Best Dam Food Festival at Catawba Park on May 10, leading up to the 4th of July celebrations.

Festive Community Spirit with Vibrant Touches

York is also brightening up its downtown with public art installations, featuring green umbrellas along Cherry Lane as part of the “Go Green in the City” initiative, celebrating St. Patrick’s Day. These charming umbrellas will remain in place through early April, creating a lively atmosphere that serves as a perfect backdrop for photos as the community comes together to celebrate.

As the parade approaches, the excitement is palpable! With so many events scheduled this season, it’s the perfect time to get out, enjoy the festivities, and embrace the welcoming spirit that York has to offer. Get ready to celebrate and make some lasting memories this St. Patrick’s Day!

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

York County Celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with Festivities

Additional Resources

• York Daily Record
• Google Search: York St Patrick’s Day parade
• ABC27
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Saint Patrick’s Day
• Fox43 News
• Google News: York Pennsylvania events