One of the best St. Patrick’s Day parades in all of the Northeast is hosted right here in Utica, NY.

I’ve been to parades in Syracuse, New York City and Boston. None of them have been as grand as the one right here in my hometown of Utica NY.

It seems like the whole Utica population comes out and piles on Genesee Street. The parade starts at 10AM, so make sure you get there early and you claim your spot. You’re going to want a spot that’s close to the road so you can see the floats and all of the parade participants that go by.

People are there to have a good time, young people, old people, families everyone is happy. If you set up near some of the local Irish taverns there is green beer to be had.

After the parade the fun does not stop, most of the crowd heads to Varick Street in the brewery district. There is a huge concentration of bars in this area and everyone is having the time of their lives. With entertainment, drinking and Irish cheer people are feeling good and having fun.

Although it’s nice to have fun, don’t over do it. The police do have a presence and they’re there to make sure things it doesn’t get out of hand. A couple things to make sure you don’t do is pee outside, they’re looking for that and will write you a ticket. They’re also looking for people who are getting angry violent and fighting. If you do these things it’s a quick way to get yourself taken away from the fun and possibly end up downtown in the police station.

Just come down and have a great time be nice, be Irish and love Utica New York. It’s one experience you don’t want to miss.