Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - It might not have been the warmest St. Patrick's Day, but that didn't stop the thousands of people from attending for the annual Buffalo St. Patrick's Parade on Sunday downtown.
Buffalo Mayor Byron Brown understands how important St. Patrick's Day is in the city, and why it's an honor to celebrate Irish heritage.
"We're a very diverse city and we enjoy celebrating our different heritage in the city of Buffalo. It's important to celebrate Irish heritage," said Brown on Sunday with the assembled media before the parade. "There is a significant contribution that Irish Americans have made to the city of Buffalo and to our nation. So we are always proud and honored to celebrate the different cultures in the City of Buffalo."
New York State Sen. Sean Ryan says he's seen an increase of people showing up for the parade each year in Buffalo.
"It looks like the crowds are coming back every year," said Ryan while attending Sunday's parade. "It's been building back post-pandemic, but it looks like Buffalo's out, ready to celebrate today."
Susan Rose, WBEN
Meanwhile, for local resident Glenn Benton, he says he's been attending the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade downtown since he was a little kid.
"I started when I was younger when my mom first brought me here, and I didn't even know what what it was," joked Benton in an interview with WBEN.
He later added that although he wishes it was warmer out, he's glad everyone was having a good time.
It was a weekend full of St. Patrick's Day fun with the Old First Ward neighborhood holding its St. Patrick's Day Parade on Saturday.
Until next year! Scroll for photos.
Susan Rose
Susan Rose
Susan Rose
Susan Rose
Susan Rose
