Irish Center kicks off holiday weekend

BUFFALO, N.Y. (WIVB) - Irish eyes are smiling on western New York as we celebrate St. Patrick's Day, but Friday's festivities are only the beginning.

Everybody is Irish this weekend in western New York and we went to the heart of the Irish community to kick off the St. Patrick's Day celebration at the Irish Center in South Buffalo.

It started with a little Irish dancing thanks to the Rinca Na-Tierna Dancers. The menu was your typical corn beef and cabbage, with a taste of green beer. As always, scores of politicians made their annual appearance, but the highlight will be the St. Paddy's Parade on Sunday. The Grand Marshal Thomas Patrick Young says there's no way it can rain on their parade.

"I'm hearing a little derogatory weather report, but it's not going to set us back at all. I actually will not feel one drop of rain if it's raining and if it's windy, I'm okay with that as well. The honor of being the Grand Marshall for an event like this is absolutely incredible and I look to grab every moment of joy out of it," said Young.

There are all kinds of parties and celebrations going on this weekend to honor the Irish and St. Patrick. The big parade kicks off at 2 p.m. Sunday afternoon on Delaware Avenue and we want you to share your St. Patrick's Day memories with us here at News 4.

Bring your cameras if you're headed out to the parades and other festivities. You can send us your pictures by signing up to be a Newstracker here .