Binghamton 2023 St. Patrick's Day Parade: Check out the route and local restaurant deals
Every March, Binghamton gears up to celebrate St. Patrick's Day a little early.
A ceremonial green stripe has been painted along the parade route this week as the Hibernian Parade Committee of Broome County prepares for its 55th annual St. Patrick's Day Parade on Saturday.
The origins of the event can be traced back to 1967 when a handful of Irish American men planned the first parade in the basement of the old St. John's Catholic Church on Livingston Street.
“Binghamton Parade Day is one of our community’s most beloved traditions, drawing thousands to downtown Binghamton to celebrate the start of the St. Patrick’s Day season and our area’s strong Irish roots,” said Binghamton Mayor Jared Kraham in a press release.
Kraham also said the police will be enforcing open container laws at the parade.
If you're heading out to the parade Saturday, here's everything you need to know about the route, post-parade celebrations and where to find Parade Day meal specials nearby.
When, where does the parade start
The parade starts at 1:30 p.m. and will last approximately an hour and a half.
It begins at St. Mary of the Assumption Catholic Church, where Court and Fayette streets meet, then continues a one-mile route down Court Street, over the river to Main Street, and ends at the intersection with Arthur Street.
The reviewing stand is in front of American Legion Post 80 on Main Street.
Who is participating in the St. Patrick's Day parade
Binghamton's 2023 St. Patrick's Day parade grand marshal is Clairann "Cookie" Luke. The starter is Binghamton Police Department Inspector Gary Laskowsky. Monica Luke is this year's Maid of Erin and NewsChannel 34's Roy Santa Croce will emcee.
Five bagpipe bands are scheduled to march in the parade, including the Edward P. Maloney Memorial Pipe Band, the Broome County Celtic Pipes and Drums, and the Philadelphia Police and Fire Pipe Band as well as three Irish dance groups.
The CHOW Truck will travel the parade route prior to the start of the parade, and will be collecting non-perishable food and monetary donations.
What are the post-parade celebrations on Saturday
Other Parade Day festivities include a Mass at St. Mary’s church downtown at 11:30 a.m., a post-parade party at Seton Catholic Central from 1-6 p.m., and live music at the Ancient Order of Hibernians Hall starting at 2 p.m.
Where to find Parade Day meals in Binghamton
Restaurants on the trail and off of it will be having deals in connection with the parade. Here are a few to try this weekend:
PS Restaurant
PS Restaurant will be open at 12:30 p.m. Saturday, offering grab-and-go meals and specialty cocktails. The full bar will be available.
PS will open for dinner as usual at 5 p.m. Specialty drinks include Leprechaun Tini, Jameson Mule, hot or cold Nutty Irishman and Jameson shots. Themed meals include pretzel logs with Guinness beer cheese, PS grilled shrimp kebobs, chicken satay skewers, and gorgonzola fries.
Lost Dog Café
Lost Dog Café will offer live Celtic music from Pat Kane from noon to 5 p.m. Saturday. The café will also feature menu items like Guinness cheddar, corned beef and cabbage, Shepherd's pie, gentle (vegan) Shepherd's pie, fish and crisps, Irish soda bread, and chocolate Guinness cupcakes.
Themed drinks include gin and sin, hard shandy, green beer Miller Lite, Guinness, and Dublin coffee.
Peterson's Tavern
Peterson's Tavern is opening at 11 a.m. on parade day and will be serving drinks and a limited menu for the day.
The tavern will have a live DJ before and after the parade and the deck will be open.
Water Street Brewing Co.
Water Street Brewing Co. will be open 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on parade day and will be serving cottage pie, Irish nachos, bangers and mash, and Irish onion soup.
In addition, 14 house-made beers will be on tap along with wine, cider, and mixed drinks.
Alexander's Café
Alexander's Café will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on parade day.
The café is offering breakfast sandwiches until noon and selling corned beef Reuben sandwiches, corned beef boiled dinners and shamrock shakes for lunch and early dinner.
This article originally appeared on Binghamton Press & Sun-Bulletin: Binghamton's St. Patrick's Day parade: When it starts, where to eat
