Oswego's inaugural St. Patrick’s Day Parade is set for March 12.
OSWEGO, NY – Cre8 Studios/ Friends of Oswego announced that they will push forward with the proposed St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Oswego despite heated discussions with some city councilors.
The free public event intended to celebrate the Irish culture will take place March 12, from 1-2 p.m. between West First Street and East First Street in downtown Oswego.
Event organizers developed a short parade route for the first year event due to variable weather and elemental exposure times for youth participants.
A shorter route also means more condensed crowds of spectators in proximity to many local stores, restaurants, bars and businesses.
“One of the first issues brought up to us by a city councilor was, ‘Do you know your proposing the same day as Syracuse’s parade?’” said event organizer Christopher Jones. “My answer is, of course we do. Our goal with many of our events is keeping people in Oswego County and bringing more people in to our city. It’s about improving our quality of life and building the energy of our community.”
Earlier this week, city council approved the request for the event but in a 4-3 vote amended the resolution and voted against waiving fees for police presence at intersections.
The continuation of the event was put in to question following Monday night’s city council session.
With overwhelming community response and having already received dozens of parade entry applications, event organizers have since turned to the community for support.
A dedicated account was established to defer the costs to administer the parade.
Parade supporters can stop at any Oswego County Federal Credit Union location to make a donation in support of the event.
All funds will go to support the parade for 2016 and unused funds will be held in reserve for the continuation of the event in future years.
Donations can also be made online at www.friendsofoswego.com
Mayor Billy Barlow spoke in support of the event.
“I’m happy to welcome the St. Patrick’s Day parade to the city of Oswego and welcome all to proudly celebrate the Irish heritage that exists within our own community,” Barlow said.
“The energy in the city is drawing out residents from all over to see the new things happening in Oswego. Having a St. Patrick’s day Parade is just one more new event to bring people into the city and get interested in the other events we host,” added Sixth Ward Councilor Eric VanBuren. “Cities revitalizing like ours are benefiting greatly from local events like this.”
VanBuren voted to support the event and city services request.
A downloadable parade entry application can also be found online at www.friendsofoswego.com
All entries must maintain an Irish culture theme and be of quality entertainment value to be accepted as an entry.
Spectators are encouraged to wear green and come out to cheer on Oswego’s inaugural St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Event organizers are reminding the public that this is not an open container event and to celebrate responsibly.
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I am so happy to hear of this St. Patrick’s Day Parade. I sure wish I would be there to attend it but I will send a donation.Best of luck to all that are working so hard on this. Great job.
What did those opposed to the parade have to say? The first paragraph of the piece points to “heated discussions.” Example? Which councilors voted against? What were their reasons?
So basically you expect all of Oswego to watch the Parade on the bridge? How do you think that is going to work? At least do a couple blocks! Weather permitting I will still go to Syracuse. It is sad too because I as a proud Irish woman used to love to see the big shamrock painted in the main intersection growing up. Normally I would love that Oswego is doing this but I don’t see this working. Sorry
I find it mind boggling that the city voted against funding this event. The organizers of this event are doing the lions share of the work and 99% of the cost would have come from private donations and local business owners. It’s disgraceful that the city didn’t pony up what would have amounted to a token gesture. This is great event for the city and will bring dollars to our community. It would have been nice for our elected representatives to show that we’re in this together. Not a good start for this new administration…
i’m in support of the parade especialy when i can’t make it the syracuse one. COME ON PEOPLE QUIT WHINING AND GET TOGETHER AS A COMMUNITY.
Having been active in parades for the past 40 years there are a few things to look at for a successful event. depending on the parade size and participants have a place that bands and out door participants can get warm before stepping out…use that space for after parade festivities such as bands playing, step dancers ,specialty foods,etc it doesn’t have to be all day just a couple of hours after and it will guide you to the next year…try to keep parade on the flat …marching hills is tough that time of year…and parading on THAT Saturday you will not find a lot of Pipe Bands willing to travel north. Utica has a parade at 9AM and Syracuse is 12 noon…and lasts till about 3/4 as they are on TV…..Sunday might serve what you have in mind….I’d look to involve any Irish organizations that are about…Fulton and Oswego have AOH..step dancers groups ….I believe there are Irish groups at the college…good luck I hope it goes well
It may be short but at least it IS a parade, which council chose to deny us. I will be there. And getting folks to stay and spend their money here in a town that needs to support its downtown core is a wonderful idea. Spending money in Syracuse is always an option, of course, and the parade will be wonderful as it always is. But Oswego deserves to have the very same, don´t you think? Great oaks start from small acorns!
Why make the paraid so small why not keep the money on Oswego Syracuse has there money and because Oswego won’t get off there butts we loose let’s make it better safer and then Syracuse folks will come hear with there money hear look what we do at harbor fest wake up Oswego leaders