Utica Saint Patrick's Day Parade

Parade

The Utica Saint Patrick’s Day Parade started as a small group of Irishmen marching down the Historic Brewery and Arts District and is now the 3rd largest parade in New York State!

Over 200 years later, from the time John C. Devereux was Grand Marshal, the tradition lives on. 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. The Utica Saint Patrick’s Day Parade is one of Utica’s largest community events with over 30,000 viewers. Our judges will decide on winners from 5 different categories: Marching Unit, Vehicle, Fire Department, Band, Other.

17th Annual Parade Food Drive

Adorino Construction and Croabh Dugan-O’Looney teamed up once again for the 17th Annual Food Drive to Benefit Mother Marianne’s West Side Kitchen! We thank you for your support!

Grand Marshal Announcement

Congratulations Bob Sullivan! He is our 2026 Grand Marshal! See you all soon.

The Grand Marshal Reception

We step into the heart of tradition at the Irish Cultural Center on March 7th for the legendary “Passing of the Shillelagh!” This spirited celebration honored the legacy of past Grand Marshals as they passed the torch to the newest inductee. Delight in a feast of food and drink, with the soulful sounds of bagpipes and live music filled the air. But the festivities don’t end there! All attend the rollicking after party in the pub, where the spirit of camaraderie flowed as freely as the pints!

Shamrock Ceremony

The Annual Shamrock Laying Ceremony, a special tribute to John C. Devereux, Utica’s first Grand Marshal and one of the city’s founding fathers is held at his grave in St. Agnes Cemetery on Mohawk Street. This ceremony honors Devereux’s legacy and his homage to Ireland by replicating the gesture he made more than 200 years ago, when he wore a shamrock in his buttonhole while leading the very first St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The tradition began after locals with proud Irish heritage embarked on a quest to locate his final resting place, and it has since become a cherished part of our pre-parade celebrations. We pay homage to Devereux, his deep connection to the Irish community, and the vibrant history of Utica’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

Flag Raising

We gather March 11th at noon at Utica City Hall, a place that holds the heart of our community with a ceremony rich with tradition. We blessed the flag of Ireland, honoring its legacy and significance. With great reverence, the flag went up high above our city, a symbol of our deep connection to Irish Heritage that stands strong today.

Painting of the Green Line

How would we have found our way down the parade without our iconic green line? The newly appointed Shillelagh-yielding Grand Marshal marked the path for us, painting the way. 2025? The line painting was the biggest and boldest one yet—setting the stage for an unforgettable march!

Mass in Honor of Saint Patrick

On the sacred eve before the parade, we come together in reverent unity to honor the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick, at the hallowed altar of St. Joseph St. Patrick Church. We gather as one faithful community, lifting our hearts in prayer and thanksgiving, seeking the saint’s blessings for the journey ahead. This gathering is a divine necessity to the festivities, a reminder of the deep spiritual roots that guide us as we march in His honor. Join us for this sacred moment of devotion and grace, as we seek His intercession and protection.

Utica St. Patrick’s Day Parade!

On March 14th at 10 AM, our beloved parade steps off from Oneida Square, winding its way through the heart of Utica. Last year the weather was a unbelievable and the crowds AMAZED US! With thousands of friends, we will once again come together to celebrate the vibrant Irish culture that holds a special place in our cherished city of Utica. It is a day to honor tradition, community, and the spirit of Ireland ran deep within us all.

Parade Awards Ceremony

LIVE IRISH MUSIC ALERT! WE ARE GOING TO PARTY LIKE IT IS STILL ST. PATRICK’S DAY!

The one and only Ryan Clan – the powerhouse Irish band you don’t want to miss! From traditional ballads to heart-pounding Irish fighting tunes, they’ll have you dancing, singing, and maybe even thinking you’re in Dublin!

https://www.theryanclanband.com/

March 28th, 3pm at the Celtic Harp in Utica- join us where we honor the hard work and dedication of those who bring the parade to life. The winners will be revealed, a testament to the creativity and effort put in by its creators. Every participant deserves a heartfelt thank you, as their time and energy make this celebration truly special. It’s a moment to express gratitude for all who contribute to making our parade an unforgettable experience!

Mad Mile

The wildest race of the year! Just before the parade kicks off, join us for the absolutely chaotic Utica Mad Mile—a one-mile sprint like no other. Participants will dash down the historic parade route, clad in green, as if being pursued by a herd of furious leprechauns! It’s a fun, fast, and totally unpredictable way to kickstart the festivities.

Grand Marshal

The Honor Bestowed upon the Grand Marshal is second to none.

For over 200 years a worthy Utican has led us as the honorary chair of all Irish in the area.

Full Bio on Bob:

Our 2026 Utica St. Patrick’s Day Parade Grand Marshal, Bob Sullivan, is a lifelong Utican whose story is deeply rooted in family, faith, and service to others.

Bob was born in Utica and raised on the city’s west side, just blocks from St. Patrick’s Church (now the location of the Irish Cultural Center) a place that helped shape his strong Irish identity from an early age. He attended St. Patrick’s School during his early years before his family moved to Chadwicks, where he later graduated in 1977. One of seven children, Bob grew up in a household where responsibility, compassion, and caring for others were simply a way of life.

Loss touched Bob early. He lost his father while still a teenager and later lost two brothers. Those experiences helped shape Bob’s deep sense of empathy and his lifelong commitment to supporting families and individuals during difficult times.

After high school, Bob attended SUNY Farmingdale but returned home when his father’s health declined. He later attended Buffalo State College, majoring in biology, all while working and starting a small contracting business to help pay for his education. Rather than pursuing a career in biology, Bob followed the entrepreneurial path he had already begun, forming Sullivan Contracting, which evolved into Sullivan Contracting, Inc. Today, the company is a respected environmental services firm specializing in asbestos abatement, lead and mold remediation, and selective demolition, employing approximately 40 dedicated and loyal employees.

Bob’s passion for giving back was inspired by his mother, Carol, whose work in public relations and fundraising at St. Elizabeth’s Hospital put charity and community service front and center in the Sullivan household. One moment that continues to resonate was a Thanksgiving food delivery Bob made with his father through Project Share, shortly before his father’s passing. Helping another family facing their own final holiday together left a lasting imprint and remains a powerful reminder of the importance of compassion and community.

Bob and his wife, Lisa, continue that tradition of service today. Their involvement includes supporting the Ancient Order of Hibernians’ annual Thanksgiving food pantry deliveries, local children’s sports programs, fire departments, coat drives, cancer research initiatives, and numerous local charities and fundraisers. Bob is also a familiar presence at many of the events that help define our community, including the Guinness Pour, the Joe White Annual Golf Outing, Project Children fundraisers, and the Utica St. Patrick’s Day Parade where he proudly helps spread joy each year with an annual float that brings smiles to thousands.

Everything Bob does reflects the values instilled in him by his family, strengthened by the love and support of his wife and siblings, and reinforced by a deep appreciation for the community he calls home.

“Bob Sullivan truly represents the heart of our parade,” said the Utica St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee. “His long-standing participation, pride in his Irish heritage, and dedication to our
community reflect exactly what it means to serve as Grand Marshal.”

March into the Magic of St. Patrick’s Day
March 14, 2026

Parade

The Utica Saint Patrick’s Day Parade started as a small group of Irishmen marching down the Historic Brewery and Arts District and is now the 3rd largest parade in New York State!

Events

17th Annual Parade Food Drive

Grand Marshal Announcement

The Grand Marshal Reception

Shamrock Ceremony

Flag Raising

Painting of the Green Line

Mass in Honor of Saint Patrick

Utica St. Patrick’s Day Parade!

Parade Awards Ceremony

Mad Mile

Grand Marshal

The Honor Bestowed upon the Grand Marshal is second to none.

Volunteer

Be part of one of the largest events in CNY! We are a homegrown committee that works hard and plays harder. We have monthly meetings, clear communications, and are always looking to grow.

Thank you Sponsors!

Our parade relies solely on the
generosity of our sponsors.

Committee

Patrick Boyle McGrath

David Wood

Susan Evans

Mary Lou Manchester

Colleen Martin

Jeff Ball

Kathy “Kat” Luciano

Thomas O. Malone

Father Joseph Salerno

Committee

March into the Magic of St. Patrick’s DayMarch 14, 2026

Parade

The Utica Saint Patrick’s Day Parade started as a small group of Irishmen marching down the Historic Brewery and Arts District and is now the 3rd largest parade in New York State!

Events

17th Annual Parade Food Drive

Grand Marshal Announcement

The Grand Marshal Reception

Shamrock Ceremony

Flag Raising

Painting of the Green Line

Mass in Honor of Saint Patrick

Utica St. Patrick’s Day Parade!

Parade Awards Ceremony

Mad Mile

Grand Marshal

The Honor Bestowed upon the Grand Marshal is second to none.

Volunteer

Be part of one of the largest events in CNY! We are a homegrown committee that works hard and plays harder. We have monthly meetings, clear communications, and are always looking to grow.

Thank you Sponsors!

Our parade relies solely on the generosity of our sponsors.

Committee

Patrick Boyle McGrath

David Wood

Susan Evans

Mary Lou Manchester

Colleen Martin

Jeff Ball

Kathy “Kat” Luciano

Thomas O. Malone

Father Joseph Salerno

Committee

March into the Magic of St. Patrick’s Day
March 14, 2026

Our parade relies solely on the
generosity of our sponsors.