Wantagh St. Patrick's Day Parade: Everything You Need To Know

WANTAGH, NY — The second annual St. Patrick's Day Parade in Wantagh is just three weeks away and organizers expect tens of thousands will show up to celebrate the holiday, as dozens of groups march through town.

The parade is planned Sunday, March 22, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Patrick Ryder, the Nassau County police commissioner and Long Island native, will be honored with grand marshal duties at the event. As many as 50,000 people attended the 2019 event, and organizers anticipate a large turnout again this year.

"We are expecting large crowds," Marilynne Rich, second vice president of the Wantagh Chamber of Commerce, told Patch in a phone interview Friday.

The parade is expanding this year, with over 50 organizations — including pipe bands, mounted horse units, Girl and Boy Scouts, schools, dancing troupes and Miss Wantagh — marching this year. Among the local officials expected to attend: U.S. Rep. Pete King, Nassau County Executive Laura Curran, county Legislator Steve Rhoads and Hempstead Town Council Member Chris Carini.

Parking will be tight and organizers strongly suggest attendees take the Long Island Rail Road or use a ride-hailing app or taxi service.

"Parking will be limited," Rich said, adding that no parking will be available at schools or on Wantagh Avenue.

Handicap parking will be available at the Wantagh Preservation Society (train station museum) on Wantagh Avenue before streets close for the parade, she said.

Being that it's St. Patrick's Day, many local bars will celebrate accordingly. That includes' Mulcahy's Pub, Wantagh Inn, Corry's Ale House, Bunker Hill American Taproom, Craft Kitchen & Tap House Wantagh and Ridgewood Station Tavern. Attendees can check out the bars' websites and Facebook pages for festivities and specials ahead of the parade.

A new, three-hour block party is planned following the parade, Rich said, with bands expected to perform on stage. Food trucks will serve up tasty morsels, including Pies On Wheels and Greekalicious. Festive merchandise will be available for purchase along with some vendors. Bars will have outdoor service while thematic koozies and T-shirts will be offered.

And as is expected at any major drinking gathering, numerous portable toilets at the block party location.

Parade chairperson Chris Brown and the chamber of commerce have been working closely with police to ensure the event is safe. Roads will be closed about two hours before the parade, so plan accordingly. This includes Wantagh Avenue to Triangle Park on Railroad Avenue and Beech Street.

While the event is kid-friendly, organizers suggest leaving pets at home due to the large crowds. The parade does not have a rain date. Organizers asked that residents follow their Facebook page for updates.

Ahead of the parade, a grand marshal dinner is planned Thursday, March 12, to kick off the parade season. The dinner will feature a buffet with traditional Irish fare such as cabbage and corned beef, as well as an open bar. Ryder will be presented with the parade walking stick as well as a sash at the dinner, which runs from 7 p.m. to 10 p.m. The dinner is open to the public. Admission is $75 per person.

Parade sponsorships and information about the grand marshal dinner can be found on the chamber of commerce's website.

Below are photos from the 2019 parade.