Huntington Marks 92nd St. Patrick's Day Parade, One of Long Island's Oldest

Thousands of spectators dressed in green and gold lined New York Avenue and Main Street on March 8 as Huntington Village marked its 92nd Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade, one of the longest-running Irish-American celebrations on Long Island. The procession, organized entirely by the Ancient Order of Hibernians Division 4, stepped off at 2:00 PM from the LIRR Commuter Parking Lot on New York Avenue in Huntington Station and wound 1.7 miles north before turning onto Main Street and finishing at the Church of St. Patrick at 400 Main Street.

Huntington Town Supervisor Edmund J. "Ed" Smyth led the march as Grand Marshal, an honor bestowed by AOH Division 4. Smyth, who has served as Supervisor since 2022 and previously sat on the Town Board, is also a practicing attorney and a U.S. Marine. The AOH cited that combination of public service and personal background as central to their choice. "Supervisor Smyth has been a steadfast leader in our community, and his strong commitment to public service, Irish-American heritage, and charitable causes perfectly reflects the mission of the AOH," the organization said in a statement. "He proved to be a most deserving Grand Marshal for this historic day."

The parade column included Pipe and Drum bands, high school marching bands from Huntington's local schools, Scout Troops, classic cars, antique and modern fire trucks, civic organizations, businesses, and what Huntington Matters described as "a few four-legged friends." The sound of bagpipes, drums, and applause carried through the downtown blocks as the procession made its way toward St. Patrick's. TBR News Media, whose coverage was written by Madelyn Rosado with photos by Greg Catalano, noted that despite spotty weather the parade delivered a joyful energy to the community. Huntington Matters, with photography by Bob Trachina, Clyde Berger, George Perdikoylis, Ken Farrell, and Sharon Collins, described a "beautiful spring-like afternoon" that followed a long stretch of sub-zero temperatures and lingering snow.

AOH Division 4 was direct about the scale of what it takes to put the event together each year. "This cherished tradition is a massive undertaking made possible not by the Town, but by the dedicated, year-round efforts of the Huntington Ancient Order of Hibernians since 1930," the organization stated. Band sponsorships, insurance, and other significant costs are covered through community donations and sponsors featured in the AOH's annual print journal, with no municipal funding involved.

The 92nd annual count places the parade's origins in the early twentieth century, consistent with the AOH's claim that the organization has run it since 1930. AOH called the turnout on March 8 "an unforgettable celebration" and has posted an official 2026 Parade Photo Gallery on its website capturing the procession along Main Street. Those with questions about the parade can contact the AOH Parade Committee or Rich McGrath at (516) 521-5268.