Pat Quinn will lead Yonkers march.
By Ray O’Hanlon
rohanlon@irishecho.com
Ice Bucket Challenge founder, Pat Quinn, will lead this year’s Yonkers St. Patrick’s Day Parade as grand marshal.
Quinn, a leading advocate for raising awareness of Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS), will step out in the vanguard of what will be the 61st annual parade in the Westchester County city.
The parade will step off on McLean Avenue on Saturday, March 19.
The official installation of Mr. Quinn as grand marshal, and also the aides for the parade, will take place on Sunday, March 6, at a gala celebration of the “Changing of the Sash” in the Good Time Room at Empire City Casino at 6.30 p.m.
Empire City General Counsel, Tim Rooney, Jr., last year’s grand marshal will “Pass the Sash” at the gathering.
Quinn was and remains at the forefront of the ALS Ice Bucket Challenge, connecting to a myriad of networks to popularize the challenge around the United States and around the world in the fight against Lou Gehrig’s Disease.
Patrick Ryan Quinn is 33-years-old, and was born and raised in Yonkers. His Irish roots are in counties Down, Armagh, Cork, Clare and Westmeath.
He attended St. John the Baptist grade school, Iona Preparatory School and Iona College. A strong athlete, he played basketball in high school and collegiate rugby.
Pat was diagnosed with ALS in March, 2013.
In 2014, the South Broadway St. Patrick’s Day Parade merged with the McLean Avenue Merchant’s Association St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
This combination, according to a release, began a new era for Yonkers in honoring Irish heritage, Irish contributions to America, and Saint Patrick.
The parade on March 19 will follow Mass at St. Barnabas High School Chapel on McLean Avenue. Marchers will step off at 1 p.m. on McLean Avenue west of Bronx River Road.
Tickets for the parade’s gala dinner dance are priced at $90 each. Entertainment will be by the Gus Hayes Band. For reservations and more information go to www.yonkersstpatricksparade.org/dinner-menu-page.
Meanwhile, Empire City Casino will be hosting its third annual Irish Concert from 1 to 4 p.m. on Sunday, March 6, featuring the bands Shilelagh Law and Celtic Cross.
The pipes and drums of the Police Emerald Society of Westchester, comprised of police officers from many of the 39 police departments in Westchester County, will also perform.
The band's first appearance was in 1974 at the Yonkers St. Patrick's Day Parade where it captured the "Trophy for Musical Excellence."
From that auspicious start it went on to march in the New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade where, in 1976, it won the "Irish World Trophy" and in 1980 the trophy for "Best Pipe Band."
The band has also been twice presented with the "Westchester County Service Award," bestowed by then County Executive Andrew O'Rourke, this in recognition of the band’s portrayal of police professionalism and dedication to the community of Westchester.
Tickets for the concert are $20 and are on sale at www.empirecitycasino.com. All tickets are general admission/standing room. The venue opens at noon.
