The annual St. Pat's For All Parade will step off on Sunday, March 2 and proceed on its now traditional route from Skillman Avenue to Woodside Avenue in Queens.
Music and remarks at 12 noon will precede the parade, the 26th annual, which starts at 1 p.m.
The Grand Marshals will be introduced at 12:15 on the parade stage at 43rd Street and Skillman Avenue, "St. Pat’s for All Way."
And those grand marshals will be Grammy Award winning singer Judy Collins, and Lord Mayor of Belfast Micky Murray.
"The singer, producer and lifetime social activist has united her fans, new and old, with her firm commitment to social activism on issues of environmental justice and human rights," said a parade release of the legendary Collins.
"While maintaining her rigorous touring schedule, Judy Collins is publishing her first book of poetry," the release added.
Marching alongside Collins will be a visiting grand marshal Micky Murray, who is the current Lord Mayor of Belfast.
"Micky Murray, is a Councillor and a member of the Alliance party. He is the first openly LGBT Councillor and Mayor," said the parade organizers.
"Micky Murray’s background before he entered into politics was in the field of community organizing when he worked with programs to house the homeless and programs for people with addiction problems. He is 'committed to using my term of office to furthering the goal of making Belfast an inclusive and compassionate city.'”
The parade's Kathleen Walsh D'Arcy said: "As a child of Irish immigrants I am very proud of St. Pat’s for All Parade’s commitment to human rights, women’s reproductive rights, LGBT rights of equality and inclusion, immigrant and refugee rights, and our mission of 'cherishing all the children of the nation equally.' This year’s parade is more important than ever."
More than one hundred groups will be marching, including Irish groups, local community groups, Immigrant groups, LGBT groups, pipe bands, Girl Scouts, local dance groups and more.
Irish groups will include Irish American Writers and Artists (IAW&A), Irish Art Center, Irish Business Organization (IBO), Irish Repertory Theater, Brehon Law Society, County Cork Pipes and Drums, Shannon Gaels GAA.
LGBT marching groups include Dignity NY, Fireflag FDNY, Queer Big Apple Marching Band, Pride for Youth, LGBT Network, and LGBT Democratic Clubs.
Bands will include the FDNY Pipe Band, County Cork Pipe and Drums, Queer Big Apple Marching Band, Fogul Azul Drummers, Hillcrest High School Marching Band, Hungry March Band, and Sunnyside Fife & Drum Band.
The parade is also welcoming what it calls a very special marching group this year, and one direct from Ireland.
Said the parade release: "The Rainbow Twirlers, an award winning community majorette and dance organization from Rialto, Dublin. These 40 amazing teenagers raised the funds for flights and hotels themselves - a great accomplishment."
"The Rainbow Twirlers were established ten years ago to provide children, through dance, with confidence and positive relationships in a secure environment. St. Pat’s for All looks forward to welcoming them to our parade."
More at stpatsforall.org
