Short parade celebrates St. Patty's Day

LACKAWANNA, N.Y. (WIVB) - It's a picture perfect day to be Irish, even if you're not. Western New Yorkers are joining the world in celebrating this St. Patrick's Day.

Yes, we had the big parade down Delaware on Sunday. The Shortest Parade may be short on distance, but it's long on tradition, 60 years in fact, and organizers want the whole world to know about it.

If you're late for this parade, you will miss it. The Shortest St. Patrick's Day Parade is only 77 steps, beginning out in front of the Our Lady of Victory Basillica in Lackawanna and ending on the front steps. This short parade is getting bigger. They added some new clubs and even a car!

Organizers want to get the attention of the folks at Guinness World Records to try to be named the Shortest St. Patty's Day Parade in the world.

Norman Polanski, Jr. said, "Some people say it's a short parade. No, in Lackawanna, it's an event you have to experience and you'll realize what I'm saying when you're here."

"Motor transportation, yes it was [the first time]. Maybe next year we'll have one or two more cars in there," said Parade Chairman Pat Gallagher.

Incoming Parade Chairman Michael Cusack said, "It's a great tradition and we believe in it. It's a great St. Paddy's Day."

Parade Grand Marshal Joseph Meegan said, "[I plan to] go down to the Knights of Columbus and do what most Irishmen do on St. Patrick's Day. Have a beer!"

They will have competition for the title of Shortest Parade. There are several held around the world.