Buffalo, N.Y. (WBEN) - For many in the City of Buffalo and across Western New York, St. Patrick's Day is a cultural staple, with a number of celebrations to honor the region's rich Irish heritage.
While St. Patrick's Day is set for Monday this year, festivities will begin this upcoming weekend with a pair of infamous Buffalo parades on Saturday and Sunday.
Saturday is the "Old Neighborhood" Parade through Buffalo's Old First Ward neighborhood, which is always a special weekend for the community.
"It's a time when we have kind of our own little parade. I mean, there's the big one on Sunday, but the Old First Ward has its own parade, obviously has a big Irish heritage," said Bill Metzger, owner of Gene McCarthy's, located at 73 Hamburg Street. "People wear a lot of green, people have a lot of beer, and things are really happy. We'll get Irish music playing on the jukebox, because you can't fit a band in our small place, but it's just a real fun day."
While Chef Robert Duvall at Adolf's Old First Ward Tavern on South Park Avenue is not originally from Buffalo, he knows in his nearly 10 years in the city how significant the "Old Neighborhood" Parade is for the community.
"We're very excited to be a representative of the Old First Ward, and an established tavern that's been here for a very long time," said Duvall in an interview with WBEN.
"The Old First Ward is obviously going through a bunch of transitions as of the past couple years, and we truly appreciate everybody that supports the Old First Ward and the established businesses that are down here. We've had some businesses down here that have closed for multiple reasons, and we're excited to continue to be a part of representing the Old First Ward."
While the forecast on Saturday is calling for a chance of some rain sporadically throughout the day, temperatures are expected to range in the mid-to-upper 60s, providing for one of the nicest St. Patrick's Day weekends in the Old First Ward in some time.
"I think in the 14 years that I've owned the place, there's only been one other year, I think it was right around 2013 or so, that we had this kind of weather. So if it's not going to be the best ever, it'll be second-best ever, in terms of weather," Metzger said with WBEN.
And with the hopes of nice weather, businesses are expecting much larger crowds in the Old First Ward neighborhood before, during and after the parade Saturday.
"We're excited, because a lot of times outside on our patio, we have tents and heaters. The heaters will probably not be required this year, which is wonderful," Duvall said. "We expect a very large crowd, and, of course, serving up all of our Irish food."
"The other positive thing about good weather is that people can sit outside too," Metzger added. "If it's crowded inside, there'll be a bunch of tables that we usually have open all summer long in our beer garden.
"I think given that we have that outside area, it'll be a benefit. People who get hungry, we'll be serving corned beef sandwiches and salt potatoes to anyone who wants it. Inside is pretty crowded, as it is, but with the outside open and the good weather, we hope that we'll get more people outside."
So what advice are those in the Old First Ward offering to anyone planning to take in the St. Patrick's Day festivities this Saturday? The biggest tip is to arrive early.
"The problem is there's also a [Buffalo] Sabres game. We have a 12:30 p.m. Sabres game, which is going to increase even more traffic flow down here. Parking is going to be, obviously, at a premium," he said. "But we have our patio set up, we've got the tent set up. Food will be ready, corned beef and cabbage dinners, ruebens, all of our other Irish fare. We'll obviously be running a limited menu, but looking very forward and excited to this weekend."
"The streets close at 9 a.m. Parking is always an issue on the side roads, it's kind of packed," Metzger added. "One time I remember when we ran out of a new product, the High Noons, I tried to drive somewhere and get some, and I couldn't get out because the parade was still going and the road was still [closed]. So if there's any way to do it without getting the car down there, it's a much smarter move."
The Buffalo Police Department and city officials are reminding residents and visitors that St. Patrick’s Day celebrations this weekend will result in temporary road closures and traffic restrictions on both Saturday, March 15, and Sunday, March 16.
Saturday, March 15 - Old Neighborhood St. Patrick’s Day Parade
From 11 a.m.-to-2 p.m., intermittent road closures and lane restrictions will take place along the parade route in South Buffalo. The following streets will be closed to traffic during the parade:
- South Park Avenue
- Smith Street
- Elk Street
- Hamburg Street
- South Street
Motorists should plan ahead and expect temporary detours in the area.
Sunday, March 16 – Downtown Buffalo St. Patrick’s Day Parade
At 7 a.m., temporary traffic delays will begin along Allen Street, Chippewa Street, Delaware Avenue, and Niagara Square as parade setup takes place.
From 12 p.m.-to-5 p.m., the following closures will be in effect for the parade and post-event cleanup:
- Niagara Square
- Delaware Avenue (South of Summer Street)
- Side streets along the parade route
Drivers should anticipate congestion downtown and plan alternate routes as necessary. City officials encourage attendees to utilize public transportation and allow extra time for travel.