How Hornell will celebrate St. Patrick's Day on March 16: Rundown for parade, activities

Neal Simon, Hornell Evening Tribune
Updated ·4 min read

Want a Southern Tier community that knows how to throw a party for St. Patrick's Day?

Look no further than Hornell, where the embrace of everything Irish on March 16 will begin with the iconic St. Patrick's Day parade in the morning and continue all day and into the late evening hours at nightspots, restaurants and clubs across the city.

The weather outlook for Saturday parade-goers is positive. AccuWeather is predicting periods of sun for Hornell with temperatures climbing into the 50s.

In the leadup to the parade this week, Hornell Mayor John Buckley named former Hornell Housing Authority Executive Director Larry Vetter the grand marshal.

Here's what to look forward to in Hornell on March 16, starting with “most organized, unorganized parade known to man."

Floats of all shapes and sizes travel down Main Street during the Hornell St. Patrick's Day parade.
Floats of all shapes and sizes travel down Main Street during the Hornell St. Patrick's Day parade.

Famous Hornell St. Patrick Day parade is at 11 a.m.

This will be Hornell's 35th St. Patrick's Day parade, a tradition that began in 1987.

The parade revels in its informality. There is no official organizing body and participants do not have to register to take part.

Line up will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Genesee Street near Community Bank. Marching will begin at 11, with a route down Seneca, then east on Main Street, ending at The Main Place.

The size of the crowd may be weather-dependent, but count on a sea of green and rousing applause for emergency rigs, community groups, businesses, political leaders, youth and church groups and high school bands.

The grand marshal of the parade will be announced by the mayor's office later this month.

High school bands will perform at the 35th St. Patrick's Day parade in Hornell on March 16, 2024.
High school bands will perform at the 35th St. Patrick's Day parade in Hornell on March 16, 2024.

HAT buses will be making rounds March 16

Hornell Area Transit buses will be available for seven hours to get people safely and conveniently around town.

HAT runs will be from 2 to 9 p.m., with four buses on the streets during the expected busy period of 4 to 7 p.m. Two or three buses will be available at all other times.

A large group of local businesses are sponsoring the buses and riders can get where they need for no cost.

A Hornell Area Transit shuttle outline for the St. Patrick's Day celebration on March 16. A large group of local businesses are sponsoring the buses and riders can get where they need for no cost.
A Hornell Area Transit shuttle outline for the St. Patrick's Day celebration on March 16. A large group of local businesses are sponsoring the buses and riders can get where they need for no cost.

Hornell places for food, music and drinks March 16

According to popular lore, more than 20% of city residents trace their histories back to Irish roots, but 100% are Irish for this day.

That brings on a lot revelry.

If you are celebrating St. Patrick's Day in Hornell on March 16, here are some spots for food, music, drinks and fun.

Amvets, 28 Broadway Mall: Open to the public with no coverage charge. Meet Cutters Union performs from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Southbound with Brian Tinker, 6 to 10 p.m.

Hornell VFW, 245 Canisteo St.: The public is welcome and drink specials will be offered.

The Ancient Order of Hibernians march down Main Street during the 2022 St. Patrick's Day parade in the City of Hornell.
The Ancient Order of Hibernians march down Main Street during the 2022 St. Patrick's Day parade in the City of Hornell.

Paddy’s Pub, 66 Broadway Mall: Stop by the homey Irish pub for traditional favorites like corned beef and cabbage, Reuben sandwiches and green beer. Other drink specials available. Eclectic indie rock band St. Vith performs from 8-11 p.m.

The Brothers Club, 55 Center St.: Serving Reuben sandwiches starting at 1 p.m. Open to the public.

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Biggie's Tex-Mex Bar and Grill, 66 River St.: It’s a 14-hour holiday marathon with Biggie’s open from 11 a.m. Saturday until 1 a.m. Sunday. Full-service bar inside, beer tent outside. Music by Out of Time and High Pines. Biggie's Tex-Mex Trailer with its build your own menu and signature Reuben quesadilla. Biggie's barbecue truck available until 1:30 a.m. on Sunday.

Railhead Brewing Company, 40 Park Drive: Try a Reuben pizza from the wood-fire oven. The Donlan Brothers perform from 1-3 p.m.

Irish eyes were smiling during the 2022 St. Patrick's Day parade in the City of Hornell. A big crowd turned out despite cold temperatures and a weekend snowstorm.
Irish eyes were smiling during the 2022 St. Patrick's Day parade in the City of Hornell. A big crowd turned out despite cold temperatures and a weekend snowstorm.

Sprinkle This Cakery, 50 Park Drive: Don't forget to pick up some St. Patrick's Day sweets. Sprinkle This gets into the spirit with boozy infused treats for age 21 and over. French macaroons in a combo pack, cupcakes and cookies. Must order by March 10. Pickups March 15-16.

Hornell Elks Lodge, 60 Broadway Mall: Open to the public starting at 11 a.m. Check out the food specials.

More: Larry Vetter named grand marshal of 35th Hornell St. Patrick's Day parade. Here's why.

Billy Schu’s, 15 Seneca St.: Corn beef and cabbage and Reuben specials will be featured.

The Scoop, 126 Seneca St.: Shamrock shakes during March and 75 cents off on St. Patrick’s Day.

Visit the Hornell Partners for Growth Facebook page for more places to go.

Follow Neal Simon on Twitter @HornellTribNeal. To get unlimited access to the latest news, please subscribe or activate your digital account today.

This article originally appeared on The Evening Tribune: Here's how Hornell will celebrate St. Patrick's Day on March 16