Packed Port Jervis St. Patrick’s Day Parade Promotes Tourism, Preserves Tradition

Barbara Drew said “It will be a highlight in my life” after serving as grand marshal for the eighth annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Blarney Blast, which drew thousands of onlookers to downtown Port Jervis on Sunday, March 1, 2026. The Port Jervis Tourism Board staged the procession through the city’s historic business district, bringing floats, bagpipers, marching units, dancers, and a sea of green to Orange Street and Jersey Avenue.

Parade units marched from Orange Street into the downtown business district, where performances and trophy presentations continued at the Erie Depot and the downtown promenade. Matt Fuller of RockAFuller DJ Entertainment served as the announcer and DJ, calling units and winners and providing music that kept crowds entertained at the promenade and at Erie Trackside Manor during the post-parade festivities.

Trophy awards were announced after the march, but reporting shows conflicting winners for the Michael McCarthy Memorial/Grand Marshal award. One announcement lists Victory Hill Therapeutic as the Grand Marshal’s Choice - Michael McCarthy Memorial Award, while a separate winners list records the Hudson Valley Regional Police Pipes and Drums as recipient of the Michael McCarthy Memorial Grand Marshal trophy. Other named winners included Tri-State Auto Body for Best Float, Broome Street Band for Best Marching Band, VFW Post 161 for Most Irish Spirited, and Excelsior Engine 5 for Best Presentation First Responders; organizers have yet to publish a single, consolidated list resolving the discrepancy.

Tourism Board leadership and city officials framed the parade as both tradition and tourism promotion. Laura Myer, identified as Tourism Board chairwoman and parade coordinator, praised participants and spectators, saying “It was great! Great participants, music, business, and organizations,” and “The spectators were spectacular! Lots of excited children, and those young at heart. A sea of green!” Second Ward Councilperson and Tourism Board member Maria Mann said “It’s great seeing everyone while celebrating the Irish culture. It really brings people together,” and organizers reported she hired and funded some participating units herself.

Downtown businesses reported continued activity through the afternoon, with a full St. Patrick’s Day buffet at Erie Trackside Manor and patrons taking advantage of cafés and eateries along Main Street and Jersey Avenue. Event listings used for promotion showed lineup locations near Canal Street - one listing cited 33 Canal Street for a 2:00 p.m. lineup - while prior-year planning pages listed a 3:00 p.m. lineup and a 4:00 p.m. kickoff; those timing variations have not been reconciled with the Tourism Board’s current event materials.

Organizers called the parade a success, grand marshals and officials praised the volunteer and business support, and downtown venues continued programming into the afternoon, underscoring the event’s role as a downtown tourism driver and community tradition for Port Jervis.