Are you ready to have some fun and celebrate Irish heritage?

The Syracuse St. Patrick's Parade will step off at noon Saturday. It will feature more than 100 units and include about a dozen bands and 10 dance groups.

If you're heading downtown, arrive early. Your best option is to park east of Salina Street. This event is always a huge event for the downtown economy, as many will visit local bars and eateries before, during or after the parade.

"It's one of the biggest days of the year, there's no question about that. I think it event tops New Year's Eve and the Wednesday before Thanksgiving," said Syracuse St. Patrick's Parade Committee President Janet Higgins. “The hotel is going to have a huge party and then Armory Square, all the establishments, restaurants there. They're all going to be open and they're ready for business.”

The hotel Higgins is referring to: the Marriott Hotel Syracuse Downtown, which will host its post-parade party Saturday from 1-5 p.m.

The parade was canceled in 2020 and 2021, so last year when the parade returned, the crowds were down a bit. It's another reason why Higgins believes the numbers will be up overall this year.

The theme for this year's parade is "Running Through Tipperary" to celebrate the annual Tipp Hill Shamrock Run. The grand marshal of this year's parade will be the founder of the Shamrock Run, Eileen Murray. This year's Gael of the Year is Ralph Rotella for all his efforts to collect shoes for those in need.

The annual Grand Marshal Dinner will take place tonight at the Marriott Hotel Syracuse and there will also be a special "Irish" mass celebrated at the Cathedral at 10 a.m. Saturday.

If you'd like more information on where your unit is positioned in the parade, the committee has posted its annual Green Sheets online.