BUFFALO, N.Y. — Community leaders joined together Wednesday for the annual Irish flag raising ceremony in Niagara Square.
This event marks the beginning of St. Patrick's Day weekend celebrations.
"Buffalo is known for its diversity and the many heritage and ethnic groups that come here, and help our city prosper. Nothing personifies that more than the many contributions and achievements made by the Irish community rooted right here in our community," Mayor Byron Brown said.
There's a new 4K race happening Saturday morning in South Buffalo, which will prompt intermittent road closures and lane restrictions between 9 and 10:30 a.m. The race route will impact Michigan Avenue, South Park Avenue, Louisiana Street, Ohio Street, and Ganson Street.
Then from 10:30 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday, traffic will be impacted by the Old Neighborhood St. Patrick’s Day Parade. South Park Avenue, Smith Street, Elk Street, Hamburg Street, and South Street will be closed to traffic during the parade in the Old First Ward.
"Growing up in the Old First Ward and spending a lot of time in the Valley, I’ve learned how important it is to belong to a community," said Sharon Grande, the Old Neighborhood St. Patrick’s Day Parade grand marshal. "Volunteering and giving back is so important."
The festivities will shift back to downtown on Sunday with the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade at 2 p.m.
Temporary traffic delays will start at 7 a.m. Sunday along Allen Street, Chippewa Street, Delaware Avenue, and Niagara Square as organizers set up for the parade. Then from noon to 5 p.m., from Delaware Avenue — south of Summer Street — down to Niagara Square will be closed for the parade and cleanup. Side streets will also be closed.
"The United Irish American association of Buffalo was a huge part of my grandparent’s life, my mom’s life, and now mine," grand marshal Liam Knott said. "I cannot put into words how humbled and honored I am to be the grand marshal."