Albany’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade to Change Route

The city of Albany is turning into no fun.  For years, parade goers would watch the downtown Albany St Patrick's parade from the numerous bars and establishments along North Pearl street while enjoying various types of food and beverages.  That has all come to a end, as the parade is changing routes avoiding North Pearl Street altogether.

Mayor Jennings made the decision for the parade to conclude on Street Street because of misbehavior and large drunken crowds on North Pearl Street last year.   The parade's viewing stand will also change locations to near City Hall.

Bar owners along North Pearl Street are furious. Many are stating the city never consulted them or given any formal notifications.   Some bars says they will be hurt financially over the change as the day is usually one of the most lucrative dates of the year for the downtown bars & restaurants.

The mayor's office stated that the route change will bring more families to watch the parade, as the parade is for everyone.

The Downtown Albany St. Patrick's Day parade is usually held the Saturday before St Patrick's Day but this year will actually fall on March 17th as St. Patrick's Day will fall on a Saturday.   The new route will step off 2pm at Central Avenue at Quail Street continue east to Washington Avenue past City Hall to State Street where it will end.