Inaugural St. Patrick’s Day Parade To Be Held In Oswego

by Contributor | February 24, 2016 7:45 pm

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.

Source URL: https://oswegocountytoday.com/news/oswego/inaugural-st-patricks-day-parade-to-be-held-in-oswego/

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