Pearl river st patricks-day parade 2022

For two years, the COVID-19 pandemic canceled many signature events throughout the Hudson Valley, including some annual St. Patrick's Day parades. 

Pearl River — typically filled with thousands of spectators — has been missing the sounds of bagpipers and the spectacle of marching bands.

But not this year. The parade, marking its 58th year, stepped off in grand style on Sunday, the first day of spring.

Joining with the community to celebrate was bittersweet for parade organizer John McGowan, president of the Ancient Order of Hibernians Men's Rockland County board, who noted the eventis not just a celebration of Irish heritage and Catholic faith, but a remembrance of those in the community who died over the last two years.  

"I think this year in particular, because we've had two years apart, two years of suffering and loss, losing our normalcy and regular routines has been difficult for many," McGowan said. 

For two years, the COVID-19 pandemic canceled many signature events throughout the Hudson Valley including some annual St. Patrick's Day parades. 

in Yonkers, the McLean Avenue event — typically filled with thousands of spectators watching bands and other performers make their way down the avenue's "Emerald Mile" — has been silent. The same goes for Pearl River, where the parade is said to be the second largest in the state, behind the New York City parade.  

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Some communities had planned to launch their parades in September 2020 as a sort of half way to St. Patrick's Day celebration. However, as the pandemic continued, all were forced to cancel or postpone again with hopes for a return in 2021. Enter the COVID variants, and 2021 was — for the most part — without St. Patrick's Day parades in the Hudson Valley. 

But not 2022. 

This month, most St. Patrick's Day parades will once again march across the Hudson Valley, including in Yonkers and Pearl River. 

"We're so relieved," Deirdre O'Mara, co-chairperson of the Yonkers St. Patrick's Day Parade, said. "We couldn't have imagined when we postponed the first one (in 2020) what the next two years were going to be like. It's hard to believe it's been two years. It feels like a million." 

If the weather is favorable, O'Mara is expecting a return to tradition with large crowds lining McLean Avenue for the 65th annual parade on March 19. 

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"As of this moment, we have 94 marching groups which includes 27 pipe and drum bands," O'Mara noted. "The last parade, by parade day, we had 134 groups total. So this is pretty much on target. We're very happy right now."

Saints and Scholars co-owner Aidan Loughran said he and the staff at the McLean Avenue bar and restaurant are looking forward to the celebration. Although he's excited for the parade, Loughran said he probably won't be able to see any of it as he's hoping to be busy. 

"We look forward to it; it's a lot of Irish Americans coming to McLean Avenue to taste the Irish food and experience the Irish sense of humor," Loughran said. "That day is a great opportunity to meet new people. I'll be at the front door ...  welcoming people to the restaurant that will be visiting the area for the first time in two years." 

For Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano, the sentiment is similar. Spano said he, too, is looking "forward to meeting everyone on McLean" again and having the community line the avenue. 

Orangetown Supervisor Teresa Kenny didn't get a chance to march in Pearl River's parade when she was sworn in back in 2020. "I was so looking forward to marching in my first parade as supervisor and it got canceled," Kenny said.

The parade, marking its 58th year in 2022, typically brings in thousands of visitors from around the region. This year, it also lands on the first day of spring, March 20. 

"I know canceling it wasn't an easy decision for the (Ancient Order of Hibernians) but it was the right decision," Kenny said of the 2020 and 2021 cancellations. "I've been a spectator and marched through the years, ever since I was a kid. So to be in the front after the last two years is going to be a wonderful experience." 

John McGowan, president of the Ancient Order of Hibernians Men's Rockland County board, knows this parade is filled with hope and excitement. 

"It's a lot of emotions," McGowan said. "We're getting ready for our St. Patrick's season in the proper way, anticipating the parade. It's been surreal."

McGowan added that the parade is not just a celebration of Irish heritage and Catholic faith, but a remembrance of those in the community who died over the last two years.  

"I think this year in particular, because we've had two years apart, two years of suffering and loss, losing our normalcy and regular routines has been difficult for many," McGowan said. "We've had quite a few deaths of members of the Hibernians and family members due to COVID or other reasons and we haven't been able to get together to mourn as a community." 

One loss that will be felt is the death of Richard Lenihan, a member of the Pearl River AOH and a retired member of the NYPD who passed away from COVID-19 in 2020. Lenihan was set to be recognized as an aide to the Grand Marshal during the 2020 parade. For the 2022 parade, Lenihan's son, Patrick, will march in his place.

"This year's parade is a celebration of moving forward and hope, but it's also a remembrance for those we lost," McGowan said. 

Both parades will have their respective 2020 honorees, including Grand Marshals, receive their honors and march. 

"These two honorees have waited two years to walk down the avenue," McGowan said. "We're so excited to recognize our Grand Marshal Frank (McDonagh) and our parade Commander Sgt. Deirdre Smith-Withers."

Kenny added this parade is most welcome for the area businesses and would not be possible if not for the town's first responders. 

"For the businesses, it goes without saying it's a huge day for them. I know it was a huge setback last year. But they survived," Kenny said. "For the community, it's a great tradition, and it's a celebration of more than our Irish culture. It's about coming out of COVID and being with friends and family again."

Heather Clark covers business openings and closings throughout Westchester, Rockland and Putnam counties. Keep up on the latest comings and goings by joining our Facebook group at What's going there Westchester, Rockland, Putnam. Contact Clark via email, . 

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