Wantagh St. Patrick's Day Parade Postponed Over Coronavirus

WANTAGH, NY — The 2nd annual St. Patrick's Day parade in Wantagh has been postponed, according to a social media post by the Wantagh Chamber of Commerce.

Restrictions on large gatherings due to the spread of the coronavirus is the cause. The parade, previously set for March 22, will now be held on Sunday, July 19 from 2 to 4 p.m.

The Grand Marshal Dinner, planned for March 12, has also been postponed. The dinner, honoring Grand Marshal NCPD Commissioner Patrick Ryder, will have a new date to be announced later.

The parade was expected to draw many. As many as 50,000 people attended the 2019 event.

"We are expecting large crowds," Marilynne Rich, second vice president of the Wantagh Chamber of Commerce, told Patch in a phone interview of the 2020 parade.

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

The parade was to expand this year, with over 50 organizations — including pipe bands, mounted horse units, Girl and Boy Scouts, schools, dancing troupes and Miss Wantagh — marching.

Among the local officials expected to attend were: U.S. Rep. Pete King, Nassau County Executive Laura Curran, county Legislator Steve Rhoads and Hempstead Town Council Member Chris Carini.

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"At this time we are notifying our sponsors, attendees, and members," the Wantagh Chamber of Commerce said in their notice. "Please help us by sharing this information. Thank you for your continued support and understanding."

See the Chamber of Commerce's Facebook post below: