East and Alex bar owners celebrate return of St. Patrick’s Day Parade

ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WHEC) — For the first time in three years, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade will march its way through Downtown Rochester.

Tens of thousands are expected to line East Avenue this Saturday, pouring hundreds of thousands of dollars into the local economy.

Whether you’re truly Irish, or just Irish for the day all eyes will be smiling when the parade finally kicks off at the intersection of Alexander Street and East Avenue.

"It’s been a trying time for everybody, and we’re getting started again," said Kevin Roman with the Old Toad.

The last time a St. Patrick’s Day parade was held in the City of Rochester was back in 2019. This Saturday is the day that party revelers have been waiting for. Especially bars and restaurants such as the Old Toad, which is located just yards from the beginning of the parade.

"We’re used to having Alexander Street and East Avenue bombarded with people having a good time," Roman said. "Experience the parade, and you know the last couple of years it just hasn’t been like that. It feels good to get back to normalcy."

More than 75,000 people are expected to celebrate the day in Rochester. West Irondequoit resident Nicolette Zane said she will be part of the crowd.

"The energy when you have everyone going down the street, and everyone kind of in matching outfits, and all the energy of the passerby’s," Zane said. "I just love it."

Bartenders and servers hope people spend freely all weekend long.

"It’s a good opportunity for small businesses to make some money they’ve been missing out on during this whole thing," said Caroline Berger, also with the Old Toad. "So we’re looking forward to that for sure."

Havana Moe’s owner Moe Alaimo shared with us what he did soon after hearing that the parade was given the green light this year.

"I went to church," Alaimo said. "I said a prayer, ‘Thank you.’ I’m the happiest guy in the world."

The countdown to the parade has already started.

"Well, I’m gonna feel great to see all the old faces," Alaimo said. "They’ve all been in the house. They’re all coming out. Financially I’ll be even happier. This is going to be a great Saturday for Rochester."

Once again this Saturday’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade route begins at the intersection of Alexander Street and East Avenue. It stretches all the way to Fitzhugh Street.