St. Pat’s for All, the St Patrick's Day parade founded in 1999 in response to the ban on LGBT groups from the main New York parade, is gearing up for its 2026 outing.
The event will be held on Sunday, March 1 beginning at 1 PM at 43 Street and Skillman Avenue, Sunnyside and proceed down to 61 Street in Woodside.
This year's parade will be dedicated to the memory of legendary New York Irish writer, actor and raconteur Malachy McCourt.
Letitia James, Attorney General of New York State, will be among prominent 'grand marshals and special guests' joining this year's celebration.
Archley Prudent will serve as co-chair of the organization along with longtime co-chair Kathleen Walsh D’Arcy. Prudent, an African American, pro-Irish activist has been a long time supporter of the parade.
“I first came to St. Pat’s for All in 2009,” said Prudent. “I was extremely impressed by its inclusiveness. As a gay black man, I didn't quite know what to expect but as they say, everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day.
Prudent became more involved as the years went on, first joining the Board of the organization and now serving as the co-chair. “One of the best things about St. Pat’s for All is that so many Irish and non-Irish groups march. We are marching to support our immigrants who make up the fantastic diversity that is New York City.”
Former NYC Council member Daniel Dromm, a co-founder of the parade is now a Board member. “I have been there since SPFA’s inception but joined the Board recently. It is wonderful we have a co-chair that reflects the diversity of NYC,” Dromm said.
Walsh D’Arcy will continue to serve as co-chair. Bill Meehan will serve as treasurer. Maura Clare, founder of the Smuggling Nun Irish Poitin, has also joined the Board. The Board secretary is Marge Kold Corridan. Shohn Donagy will return to the Board. Vivienne Sawyer, a music and culture advocate, Jennifer Francola Crawford, an arbitrator and an attorney, Roisin Ní hÓardha, a public relations advocate and Julia Smith, a manager of youth basketball, have also joined the Board.
Prudent points out, the parade has hosted mayors, Congress members, and Attorney Generals from the United States. Elected officials and ambassadors from Ireland are also sure to attend. Last year, St. Pat’s for All hosted the first openly gay Mayor of Belfast, Micky Murray along with Consul General of Ireland to New York Helena Nolan.
