O'Riordan Parade highlights Youngstown's St. Patrick's Day community celebration

42nd annual St. Patrick’s Day celebration at Niagara Falls Convention Center to offer family-friendly fun

By Terry Duffy

Editor-in-Chief

and Destination Niagara USA

A welcome distraction is now approaching.

Following months of a cold, snowy winter, brighter times are ahead on the WNY scene. Bills fans are adjusting to a major coaching change, but also looking forward to a brand-new Highmark Stadium; at KeyBank, March Madness approaches and Sabres fans are excited about the team’s chances of reaching the playoffs for the first time since 2011.

Better times are ahead. Yes, Lake Erie is still very much frozen, but St. Patrick’s Day is right around the corner. And, according to the online financial platform WalletHub, WNY celebrates this March event better than most.

“St. Patrick’s Day celebrates the Irish, but it’s become a beloved cultural holiday for millions of Americans regardless of their ancestry,” said Chip Lupo of WalletHub. “The best cities for St. Patrick’s Day combine rich traditions with tasty and affordable food, safe conditions to celebrate, and good weather. Celebrating in one of these cities will increase your chances of having a memorable holiday, as long as you don’t overdo it.”

For 2026, WalletHub analysts rank Buffalo-Niagara at No. 9 among 200 cities in the U.S. when it comes to overall Irish celebrations, and No. 4 for St. Patrick’s traditions. In fact, the City of Buffalo rates an impressive No. 6 among U.S. large cities when it comes to its Irish population (11.23%, or 30,315 of Irish ancestry, out of roughly 280,000 people). Some WNY area communities have even higher numbers.

Like Youngstown.

Town of Porter Councilman Tim Adamson will again lead the O’Riordan St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Youngstown. (File photo)

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This small village on the northern end of the Niagara River boasts one of the highest concentrations of Irish-born residents in Niagara County, if not all of Western New York. Come St. Patrick’s Day, it hosts one of the best area celebrations.

The annual O’Riordan St. Patrick’s Day Parade, now in its 14th year, is a festive tribute to the village’s beloved Mayor Neil Riordan, who passed away in 2011. Presented by the Youngstown Business and Professional Association, the Town of Porter and Village of Youngstown, it a fine celebration of Irish culture and, best of all, anyone can join in.

The parade opens at noon next Saturday at Main and Hinman streets on the village’s south end. Returning for 2026 will be grand marshal and Town of Porter Councilman Tim Adamson.

“The parade is March 14! It’s really fun; it’s really well attended,” said Melissa Kudel, president of YBPA. “The parade only takes about 8 minutes, so you can still hang out the rest of the day.”

As in past years, this community affair will again feature a number of familiar faces, such as the McCarthy School of Irish Dance, the MacKenzie Highlanders Pipes and Drums, Niagara Clown Alley, the Youngstown Lions Club, Youngstown Volunteer Fire Co., Youngstown Police, the Niagara County Sheriff’s Office with Sheriff Mike Filicetti, 1st District Niagara County Legislator Irene Myers, plus various town and village officials.

Also, a selection of area businesses and organizations, such as the Friends of Youngstown Inc., Youngstown First Presbyterian Church with its kazoo band, the Youngstown Free Library, St. John’s Episcopal Church, the Youngstown Village Diner, KI-PO Ransomville, Bandana’s Bar and Grill, Pat Stack and the crew from Somewhere, and Ken and Eddie from the Griffon Brewery.

The parade heads north on Main to Falkner Park, near the entrance to Fort Niagara State Park, does an about face, and heads back south to the Main and Lockport intersection near the Ontario House (Stone Jug). There, visitors will be treated to a musket display by Old Fort Niagara’s Bob Emerson and OFN soldiers. Later, look for prizes awarded to the best parade marchers awarded by Town Justice Dave Truesdale and Myers.

Following the parade, there will be plenty of fun at nearby businesses and organizations. One favorite is the Youngstown Lions “cash bash,” starting at 1 p.m. March 14 at the Youngstown firehall, 625 Third St.

For more on St. Patrick’s Day happenings in Youngstown, visit the YBPA online or on Facebook.

The Niagara Falls Convention Center welcomes the return of Western New York’s largest St. Patrick’s Day party on Saturday, March 14. (Image courtesy of Destination Niagara USA)

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Niagara Falls St. Patrick’s Day Party and Parade

The 42nd annual St. Patrick’s Day Party and Parade returns to the Niagara Falls Convention Center on Saturday, March 14. Hosted by the Niagara Falls Ancient Order of Hibernians, the beloved community tradition will run from 2-7 p.m. this year, a new schedule designed to make the event more family-friendly while keeping the spirit and excitement guests have come to love.

Festivities kick off at 1:45 p.m. with the “World’s Shortest Parade” at the corner of Rainbow Boulevard on Old Falls Street. Following that, attendees can look forward to an afternoon filled with Irish music played by Tom Keefer and Celtic Cross, entertainment from the McCarthy School of Irish Dance, plus food and culture to celebrate the rich heritage and camaraderie that has made the event a Niagara Falls favorite for over four decades.

Tickets are available in advance for $12 or can be purchased at the door for $15.

Advance tickets are encouraged and can be purchased online via Eventbrite, or in-person at the following businesses: B & B Cigars, Cheri Amour, Capitol Cleaners, Wellness Park Pharmacy and Always a Party. Kids 12 and under are free with a paid adult admission.

“The St. Patrick’s Day celebration has been a staple of our community for generations,” said Nick Melson, vice president of the Niagara County Division 1 Ancient Order of Hibernians. “By moving the event to the afternoon, we’re creating a space where families, friends, and neighbors can come together to celebrate Irish culture in a fun and welcoming environment that everyone can enjoy.”

For more information about the 42nd annual St. Patrick’s Day Party and Parade, visit https://www.niagarafallsusa.com/events-calendar/42nd-annual-st-patricks-day-party-parade/.