10 Feb America’s Unofficial Shortest Parade Returns for 10th Year in Pawling

 Winters in Pawling can feel neverending.  Maybe that’s why so many locals look forward to “Pawling’s Unofficial St. Patrick’s Day Parade” every February.  No matter the weather, hundreds of people come out to watch the parade and celebrate with their neighbors in the village streets, enjoying excellent music, delicious food and maybe some hot cocoa or green beer. The parade started just 10 years ago with 7 guys and little fanfare, and has grown into a beloved annual community event.

       This year’s parade, on Saturday, February 21, is shaping up to be the best one yet, with performances at the event stage by Mushmouth, Stephen Zenir, Kenny Bauer, D.J. Silva and  some surprise guests, too.  The parade includes performances by Irish step dancers and the Hudson Valley Regional Police Fifes and Drums. Pawling’s own Adriana Benedetto will sing the National Anthem.

          The Grand Marshall this year is Tralee Saltarelli, chairwoman of the Ryan McElroy Children’s Cancer Foundation and owner of World Gym in Pawling. The parade marches down (the very short) Broad Street, and the musical performances are at the stage next to the Pawling Chamber of Commerce building on Charles Colman Blvd.

            O’Connor’s Public House will again be there with lots of beer and other beverages. Event food trucks will include Cousin’s Maine Lobster, Big E’s BBQ, Hooked Events and Donuts for Days. Normby Creamery will be serving up some delicious Shamrock Shakes, too!  Folks can also save their great parade memories forever with a photo from the Capurette Vintage Photo Booth trailer.

             Attendance at the parade is free, but folks who want a more premium experience can purchase tickets to the VIP tent, located between the event stage and the bar. The VIP experience includes a dedicated Porta-John, 5 beverages and a lunch special off of the grill for $75 per person. If you’d like to purchase a VIP ticket, contact organizer Henry Schaber at Pawling’s Family Quick Stop.

              As attendance at the parade has grown year after year,  Henry has gathered a group of dedicated volunteers to help set up for the parade and keep everyone safe. These volunteers, fondly dubbed “the yellow shirts,” are anchored by a core group who help with village events all year long–Eric Gard, Rob Schmitt, Tommy “Gunz” Viertel, and Kevin O’Connell. Many thanks to the “yellow shirts” for ensuring that everyone has a great time safely!

             For more info about the parade,  follow their Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100071126749781

–by Amy Emke