The granddaddy of St. Patrick’s Day parades is set to kick off at 11am (EDT) on Tuesday in New York City. 2009 marks the 248th consecutive year for the parade in New York. The first parade was held sixteen years before the Declaration of Independence. This year’s Grand Marshall will be Michael J. Gibbons.

The NYC St. Patrick’s Day Parade follows 5th Avenue, starting at 44th Street and going to 86th Street. The official Reviewing Stand will be located at 5th Avenue and 64th Street. Cardinal Edward Eagan will review the parade from the steps of Saint Patrick’s Cathedral.

The first official parade was organized by Irishmen serving in a colonial military unit. Until 1812 the parade was led by the military. Following the war of 1812, organization was assumed by Irish fraternal and beneficial societies. However, the military continues to march at the head of the parade. For 157 the Army National Guard has led the parade. The “Fighting 69th” will once again lead this year’s event.

In addition to the traditional military escort, the parade will feature high school bands, bagpipers, politicians, thirty Irish county societies, the Ancient Order of Hibernians, as well as the various NYC Irish societies. The parade will also include Irish-language, Irish nationalist, and Emerald societies. The largest parade in recent history boasted nearly 150,000 participants.

Visitors staying in 4 star hotels New York in anticipation of the event will find the best viewing spots on the north end of the parade route. Below 59th Street the crowds are congested with normal work crowds and shoppers. Some preferred spots include the upper steps of the Met.

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