ROCKLAND POST DESK
PEARL RIVER, NY — The story of the Irish in America is one of endurance, faith, and stubborn pride — from fleeing the Great Famine in the mid-1800s to carving out communities in cities and towns across the United States. Many arrived in New York, and Rockland County became a quiet but stronghold of Irish life, where families built churches, schools, and businesses, often starting with little more than hope, determination, and a taste for hearty potatoes. They worked hard, voted hard, and kept their music, dance, and storytelling alive — traditions that remain at the heart of the county’s culture today.
Coming soon on Sunday, March 22, 2026, the streets of Pearl River will once again celebrate that heritage with the 62nd Rockland County St. Patrick’s Day Parade, stepping off at 1:30 p.m. sharp. Sponsored by the Rockland County Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) and the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, the parade is a march of music, color, and community spirit that honors the Irish immigrants who made Rockland County their home and all the generations that followed. A Stubborn, Resilient People
The Irish have been part of Rockland County’s story for nearly two centuries. Settling in towns like Pearl River, New City, and Haverstraw, they built churches, schools, and businesses, becoming a backbone of the county — stubborn, spirited, and fiercely proud, even when life handed them a bit of rough weather (and a bit too much Guinness now and then).
Irish families helped shape the county’s civic life, volunteering in local politics, raising troops in times of need, and keeping alive traditions like music, dance, and storytelling. From pipe bands to parish picnics, the Irish influence is woven into Rockland’s everyday fabric. From Humble Beginnings to a County Tradition
The Rockland County St. Patrick’s Day Parade began in 1963, organized by the AOH to celebrate Irish heritage. In its first decade, the parade rotated among several towns, reflecting the scattered Irish communities across the county. By the early 1970s, Pearl River became its permanent home, a fitting choice for a town with one of the highest concentrations of Irish‑American residents in the U.S.
Since then, the parade has grown into New York State’s second-largest St. Patrick’s Day parade, trailing only the New York City event. Thousands line the streets every March, cheering for pipe-and-drum corps, Irish dancers, marching units, floats, and local veterans. What began as a local celebration has become a regional attraction, drawing people from across Rockland, neighboring counties, and beyond. Honoring Local Heroes
This year’s Grand Marshal is Patrick Withers, a retired NYPD officer and former Rockland County legislator. Sgt. Colleen Fitzpatrick of the NYPD will serve as Parade Commander, and Mary Mulcahy is the Hibernian of the Year. Local businesses are recognized too, including Christopher Vergine of Wyman‑Fisher Funeral Home, honored for community service. Each honoree reflects the parade’s spirit: celebrating Irish heritage while honoring those who serve the wider community. Parade Day Tips
The main route runs down Central Avenue, beginning near the Pfizer parking lot, moving east on Crooked Hill Road, south on North Middletown Road, and then turning onto Central Avenue toward Main Street. Road closures start about an hour before the 1:30 p.m. kickoff. Families can enjoy pre-parade Masses, breakfasts, and the Emerald Ball, a fundraising event supporting the parade. And remember: no open alcohol containers along the parade route — the Irish may be stubborn, but the law is, too. A Celebration of Culture and Community
The Pearl River parade is more than a march down a street. It’s a celebration of history, family, music, and a culture that has endured. It’s where children wave flags handed down from grandparents, where local bands play jigs that echo centuries-old songs, and where, just for a few hours, everyone gets to be Irish — even if it’s just for the Guinness and green attire.
In the political weather of 2026, with all its debates and divisions, the parade reminds Rockland that some things endure: community, heritage, and the stubborn pride of a people who refused to let famine or hard times keep them from dancing, marching, and celebrating life. Pearl River Parade Fun Facts & Local Legends
The Great Leprechaun Chase: Every year, some kid inevitably runs ahead of the parade chasing the “leprechauns” on floats. Spoiler: they’re just Aunt Maggie and Uncle Joe in green wigs.
Big Hair, Bigger Hats: The parade has seen hairstyles defy gravity for decades. Some hats are so tall, they have their own zip code.
Pipe Bands vs. Street Dogs: Local legend says that if a pipe band hits a wrong note, the Pearl River pooches collectively howl along — and sometimes start a mini parade of their own.
Old Green Sweater Awards: Each year, someone shows up wearing a sweater older than the parade itself. They’re unofficially crowned “Most Dedicated Irish Spirit”.
Shamrock Toss Mishaps: Kids love catching the tossed paper shamrocks — sometimes ending up in hair, coffee cups, or on the parade announcer’s microphone.
Emerald Ball Etiquette: Before the parade, some local couples practice Irish dancing in the living room… usually bumping into furniture and muttering, “It’s the thought that counts.”
Parade Traffic Trick: The locals’ secret tip: park a little farther away, walk with a thermos of coffee, and claim it’s “part of the Irish experience.”
Family Tradition: Many families bring three generations to watch, ensuring stories about “the parade when I was a kid” get passed down — sometimes embellished with every year seeming “bigger, louder, and crazier” than the last.
Dust off the green sweater, find the old sash in the drawer, and get ready to cheer, laugh, and maybe even smell a little smoke from an Irish cigar — because on March 22, Pearl River becomes the heart of Irish America in Rockland County.