Bay Ridge St. Patrick's Day Parade, Inc.
is a registered 501(c)3 non-profit.
The parade committee is made up of volunteers that are active members of the community, working throughout the year to promote Irish heritage and Catholic faith.

Parade History

We have come a very long way since our humble beginnings over 25 years ago. The Bay Ridge Saint Patrick’s Day Parade was the brain child of the late Gene Reilly, owner of the former Lief Erickson Pub on 5th Avenue. He wanted to share the Celtic culture and love of Irish Heritage. He believed there was a need and desire for this, and always room for one more parade in New York City.

Gene had realized the Parade would also help stimulate business and interest in the Bay Ridge community. As a man who preferred to work behind the scenes, he knew that the right man for the job was none other than Jack Malone, former proprietor of Peggy O’Neils in Bay Ridge.

Gene thought that the timing of the Parade should be around the Great Irish Fair, and he had his trusted friends Frank McKenna and Jim Healy plant the seed in Jack’s ear. Jack Malone helped assemble a committee of local activists including: Larry Morrish, Al O’Hagan and Marty Golden. Many others rounded out the group including Gene, Mary Lawler, Kathy Reilly, Eammon Hamilton, Bill McNealy, Frank McKenna, Jim Healy, Mike Keegan and countless other members.

Like any newborn idea, there was much excitement when the Parade was launched in 1993. Many meetings were held in the back room of Lorelie’s. The ladies and gentlemen of the Ancient Order of Hibernians played a major role in the development of the Parade as well as the 5th Avenue Board of Trade.

The Parade has had the pleasure of honoring many notable Bay Ridgeittes, all who have brought their unique charm to the Parade. We have hosted countless numbers of Bands and Organizations, many of which have been with us since the beginning. The Parade hosts many activities throughout the year including trips to Citi Field, Irish Night on Shore Road, half-way to Saint Patrick’s Day parties, a Meet and Greet where the Grand Marshal and Deputies can all get better acquainted, the annual Bay Ridge Saint Patrick’s Dinner Dance along with a Ceremonial Mass and Breakfast on the morning of the Parade. We always march on the last Sunday in March, saving the best for the end of the season.

The Parade Committee has been fortunate to have dedicated leadership with Jack Malone, Jerry Callahan and in later years, Frankie Marra, Linda Gallagher, and Denise frederick. Presently, the Parade is in the trusted hands of richie o’mara.

For over a quarter of a century our parade has made it's mark on the history of Bay Ridge, Brooklyn. We would like to thank ALL OF YOU, the community, for your support over the past twenty-five years, and especially for the love, loyalty, and friendship you have shown us. We celebrate you today, tomorrow and always.