Assembly Resolution No. 812

BY: M. of A. Buttenschon

COMMEMORATING the 200th Anniversary of the Utica
St. Patrick's Day Parade on March 16, 2024

WHEREAS, Saint Patrick's Day is a time for all to celebrate the rich
heritage of the Irish people, unlimited in their contributions to this
greatly diverse State and Nation; and

WHEREAS, A Saint Patrick's Day parade reflects and records the
ongoing history of the United States and Ireland, and provides an
opportunity for people of all generations to assemble in ethnic pride
and pageantry; and

WHEREAS, Attendant to such concern, and in full accord with its
long-standing traditions, this Legislative Body is justly proud to
commemorate the 200th Anniversary of the Utica St. Patrick's Day Parade
on Saturday, March 16, 2024; and

WHEREAS, The tradition of the Utica St. Patrick's Day Parade is
steeped in 200 years of history, with John C. Devereux leading the first
march down the Historic Brewery and Arts District of Utica; today, the
Utica Parade draws around 30,000 spectators, as over 5,000 marchers from
across the state step off from Oneida Square and head north to Genesee
Street; this parade is notably the third largest parade in New York
State; and

WHEREAS, The annual Passing of the Shillelagh to the 2024 grand
marshal will be held Saturday, March 9, 2024, at the Irish Cultural
Center of the Mohawk Valley located on Columbia Street in Utica; and

WHEREAS, The newly-named grand marshal will help paint the iconic
green line down Genesee Street in Downtown Utica, marking the parade
route the day prior to the parade; and

WHEREAS, Additionally, a Mass honoring St. Patrick, the patron saint
of Ireland, will be held at 7:00 p.m. on Friday, March 15, 2024, at St.
Joseph St. Patrick Church on Columbia Street; and

WHEREAS, Through this heartfelt and compassionate expression, as
well as through their sustained commitment to the cultural vitality of
their Irish heritage, the Irish-American people of the Utica area and
the State of New York bear witness to the deep faith and love of
humanity which is their rich tradition; now, therefore, be it

RESOLVED, That this Legislative Body pause in its deliberations to
commemorate the 200th Anniversary of the Utica St. Patrick's Day Parade
on March 16, 2024; and be it further

RESOLVED, That copies of this Resolution, suitably engrossed, be
transmitted to the members of the Utica St. Patrick's Day Parade
Committee.