The annual St. Patricks Parade in Old Forge will take place on Friday, March 16 at 5 p.m., and as in the past, all area residents and businesses are welcome to take part in what is considered to be one of the most unique events in the Central Adirondacks.
Each year a grand marshal (of some degree of Irish descent) is selected to lead the parade upMain Street.
And this year will be no different as parade founder Chip Kiefer has announced that The Kellys of the Adirondacks will be this year’s Grand Marshals.“Anyone named Kelly is invited to join the group, regardless if it’s their first, middle or last name, and regardless of how it’s spelled.
Basically, anyone bearing any derivative of the name is welcome to participate,” Kiefer said.
Among the marshals, according to parade co-chairman Tim Foley, will be Kelly Noonan Greene of Old Forge.
“How many Irish parades can pass through a vast sea of Kelly green-clad spectators and also have a Kelly Greene as a grand marshal?” Foley asked.
As always, anyone who would like to be part of the parade can start lining up near Keyes Pancake House on Main Street by 4:30 p.m.
“The theme of the parade is simple, anything goes as long as it is in good taste and fun,” Kiefer said.
Following the parade, the public is invited to a free Irish Stew Contest at the Old Forge Fire Department. The contest is sponsored by area restaurants.
The parade is sponsored by the Central Adirondack Association (CAA), Souvenir Village and the Foley Law Firm.
More information is available at the Old Forge Visitor Information Center, (315) 369-6983; or Souvenir Village, 369-3811.
