BUFFALO, N.Y. (WBEN) The title of Grand Marshal of the St Patrick's Day parade in Buffalo is a once in a lifetime honor.
Patrick McGuinness of Lockport is now a record holder. He is the only Grand Marshal in the history of Buffalo's Parade's to say he held the title of Grand Marshal for three years.
McGuinness was planning to lead the parade in 2020, but it was canceled because of the pandemic. The same thing happened in 2021. "It's been hanging over my head for two years," he said on WBEN Friday morning.
With his sash, top hat, and black thorn stick, McGuinness is ready to roll.
He has plenty of qualifications to lead the parade. He is the son of Irish immigrants and became involved with the parade when he was building floats
for his employer, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center.
"The President of the United Irish American Association approached me and asked if I wanted to be a marshal. That's where you line the parade participants up in their division." McGuinness was in charge of Division Three for many years. After that, he joined the executive committee. Two years ago he was elected to be grand marshal.
He loves the camaraderie. "Everyone getting together and celebrating the Irish culture, it puts everyone in a good mood. It should be a lot of fun, especially if the weather holds out," he added.
The parade at 2pm Sunday will follow its traditional route starting in Niagara Square in front of Buffalo City Hall, running up along Delaware Avenue to North Street.
The theme of this year's celebration is "Hail to St. Patrick! God Bless America & Support Our Troops. Honor Our Frontline Workers."
