Parade Info

Parade Registration Form
Float Registration Form

In the fall of 1995, several members of the community and the Kevin Barry Irish Club gathered together to discuss the idea of a Dutchess County St. Patrick’s Parade. This idea became a fact when, on March 9, 1996, with the help and blessing of St. Mary’s Parish and the Wappingers Falls Village Board, the first Dutchess County St. Patrick’s Parade stepped off, at 1:00 pm from St. Mary’s parking lot in Wappingers Falls. Now entering our 15th year, the Parade has grown into the very enjoyable and dignified event that attracts thousands of participants and spectators from near and far.

Official Parade Rules
The following rules are for the safety of all parade participants and spectators:

No throwing of candy from any vehicle, float or from walkers.
Please, no pamphleteering for persons, parties or causes.
Absolutely NO SIRENS or AIR HORNS will be blown during the parade, except by emergency vehicles in case of an emergency.
On the approach of an EMERGENCY vehicle, ALL UNITS WILL GIVE WAY AND MOVE TO THE FAR RIGHT as quickly as possible.
Absolutely NO ALCOHOL is to be consumed at the line-up area, during parade march or at the Mesier Park dispersal area. Violators are subject to the penalties stated in the Village of Wappingers Falls local laws.
All units with children must have adults in attendance to assist marchers in case of need.
All units are asked to keep the parade line of march tight. Please close up any spaces that develop between units.

Thank you for your cooperation.

Float Regulations:

Any organization that wishes to enter a float in the Dutchess County St. Patrick’s Day Parade must file the float theme and design with the parade committee for approval. Float entries must display an Irish Cultural theme and not be obscene or derogatory in nature. A full description of the float must accompany the application. The float must arrive no later than 1 hour before the parade start which is 1:00pm and be subject to a safety inspection by a Parade Committee member. All floats must adhere to the NYSDOT and DMV rules and regulations for road and travel. The view of the driver must not be obstructed. It is recommended that safety personnel walk alongside the float for the driver’s benefit. On approach of an emergency vehicle, all units must give way and move to the far right as quickly as possible and stop. Each organization must have a representative check in at the registration truck and pick up the number which must be prominently displayed on the float. Floats without visible number will not be judged. If a float leaves the line of march, they must use a safety person while re-entering.

All organizations and operators of floats must adhere to the Parade Rules and Float Regulations

The view of the driver must not be obstructed
Grab bars and handles should be placed for riders
The float must be structurally sound so that there is no risk of collapse during the parade
People on floats MAY NOT hang over the side at any time
Consider fire danger and carbon monoxide hazards
You must provide safety persons on the street at the front and rear of the float

For additional information, call Bill Brogan –
(845) 897-5457

Trophies for best Irish Cultural Floats to be awarded immediately after the parade at the V. F. W. Hall!

Committee Information

Executive Board
David Costello, Ethel Brogan and Glen Kelly

Executive Committee
Bill Brogan, Mike Kelly, Jeanne Henderson, Jane Kelly, Judy Dries, Trish Costello, John Begley, Kathy Beale, Jackie Monroe, Paul Mikolajczyk, Enda Ryan, Charlie Henderson, Jack Fedigan, Kevin Moran, Pat Moran, Ken Brown, Doreen Shepheard.

Chairman – David Costello (297-0800)
Vice Chairman – Ethel Brogan (897-5457)
Secretary – Jane Kelly (462-2865)
Treasurer – Glen Kelly (462-2865)

Formation Chairman – Bill Brogan (897-5457) Enda Ryan
Advertising Journal Chairman – Mike Kelly (462-2865) Jane Kelly, Paul Mikolajczyk, Jackie Monroe, Pat Moran, Kevin Moran, Doreen Shepheard
Publicity Chairman – Jeanne Henderson (229-5621)
                                  Judy Dries
Fire Department Liaison – John Begley (677-8085)
Village Liaison – Dave Costello (297-0800)
Special Events Chairman – Trish Costello (297-0800)
                                           Kathy Beale, Bridget Costello
Security – John Begley (677-8085) & Jim Whalen
Support Activities – Leo Lowney (297-5388)
Scholarship Chairman – Kathy Beale (298-8822)
                                       Ethel Brogan & Trish Costello
Corporate Sponsors – Jack Fedigan (297-1500)