The sound of drums will once again echo through the streets of downtown Peekskill. Green will dominate balconies, coats and flags. On Saturday, March 14, the city will celebrate its annual St. Patrick’s Day parade. The day will begin at noon with the raising of the Irish flag in front of Peekskill City Hall. The ceremony will officially open the day’s festivities and bring together organizers, local officials and residents.
At 1:30 p.m., the celebration will continue with a Mass dedicated to St. Patrick at Church of the Assumption, a tradition preceding the parade that forms part of the official program. At 3 p.m., the parade will make its way through several main streets in downtown Peekskill. The route will begin at South Division Street and 2nd Street. It will then proceed north to Main Street, continue east along Main Street, turn south onto James Street and conclude on Brown Street between James Street and Elizabeth Street.
The event is presented by the Peekskill St. Patrick’s Parade Committee, the group that organizes the celebration each year. As in previous editions, bands, bagpipers, Irish dance groups and community organizations are expected to participate. Fire departments and school delegations will also be present.
This year’s Grand Marshal is legendary Peekskill City School District basketball coach and athletic director Lou Panzanaro Jr., who will lead the parade accompanied by his official aides: John Berlow, Fiona Brennan, Dana Dapson, and Father Esteban Sanchez.
Prior to this Saturday’s events, the committee held its traditional installation dinner this week at The Abbey Inn & Spa. There, the Grand Marshal and his aides were formally recognized.
St. Patrick’s Day parades are part of a tradition deeply rooted in communities across the northeastern United States. In Peekskill, the event brings together residents and visitors each year who gather along the route to watch bands, banners and local organizations pass by. According to local figures, between 2,600 and 3,000 residents in the city report Irish ancestry.
A Special Service
Three days later, on Tuesday, March 17, at 7 p.m., Church of the Assumption will hold a special Mass in honor of St. Joseph and St. Patrick. The service will be bilingual, in English and Italian, and will include hymns dedicated to both saints.
The Mass will be celebrated by Monsignor Hilary Franco. After the ceremony, light refreshments, coffee and homemade Italian desserts will be offered, including zeppole di San Giuseppe and Irish soda bread for attendees. The evening will include live music by Mario Tacca, with traditional pieces that invite guests to dance everything from an Italian tarantella to an Irish jig.
