Likely No St. Patrick’s Day Parade In Buffalo Again

The COVID-19 pandemic started in mid-March last year, and the first big event to be canceled in Buffalo and Western New York was the St. Patrick's Day parade, which is usually held every year down Delaware Avenue.

While the COVID-19 numbers have been steadily improving in Western New York the last few weeks, the chances of the St. Patrick's Day parade being held in 2021 are unlikely.

According to WKBW, it's likely the parade will be canceled once again, after a city spokesperson had this statement:

“In accordance with New York State guidelines events of that magnitude are not permitted to take place at this time. Currently social gatherings/special events are limited to 50 participants or less.”

The current New York State guidelines limit social gatherings to 50 people or less, although amusement parks and arenas/stadiums were allowed to reopen soon (February 23rd for areas and stadiums, as well as April 9th for amusement parks) at a reduced capacity.

There won't be a parade in South Buffalo either, as First Old Ward representatives say the city won't issue them a permit for their annual parade. The hope is to hold one in September of 2021.

Cities like Rochester, Syracuse and Albany have already canceled their St. Patrick's Day parades.

It's disappointing but I knew we weren't quite at the point to hold a parade as big as the St. Patrick's Day parade, but here's hoping it's back in full force in 2022.