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Breaking: Rockland County St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee Announces Parade Cancellation

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6 years ago

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Breaking News: Rockland County St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee Announces Parade Cancellation

Pearl River, NY— 3/12/20 — It is with profound regret that the Rockland County St. Patrick’s Day Parade committee announces that we must cancel this year’s Rockland St. Patrick’s Day parade due to concerns regarding the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak.

This has not been an easy decision, but the health and safety of the community must always be the overriding priority. However, the impact of canceling the parade should not be trivialized. Our first thoughts are to our well-deserving honorees who, after years of quiet service were getting the public recognition they so justly deserved. We are concerned about the economic impact on our community; for many small businesses, parade day is analogous to “Black Friday” and sustains them through leaner times throughout the year. These businesses are not just pubs and restaurants, but supermarkets, caterers, party goods stores, etc.. Many non-profit cultural organizations such as traditional musicians, pipe bands, and Irish dance schools rely on funds raised at St. Patrick’s Day performances to help them keep the tradition alive. There are the countless hours that volunteers have spent organizing the parade, which begins the week after the prior year’s parade. Finally, for many families this is a day of gathering, celebrating, and reminiscing on where they came from and the lost opportunity to create those memories cannot be replaced

It has been both distressing and disappointing to see comments on social media advocating for the cancellation of the parade as if it were of no more significance than a child’s play-date. For those who question why it has taken this long to reach a decision to cancel the parade, we are reminded of the famous quote of Louie Armstrong “If you have to ask the question, you’ll never understand the answer.”

One of our greatest sorrows is the lost opportunity to pay just recognition to the accomplishments that Irish American men and women have made to our community, accomplishments that are so often overlooked. This year’s parade was dedicated to Thomas and Danial Foley, brothers who grew up in Rockland and were killed during 9/11; Tommy on the day and Dan only a few weeks ago due to 9/11 related cancer contracted while searching for his brother’s body. In the absence of St. Patrick’s day parade coverage, we would ask for our public leaders and the media to consider publicly reflecting on the contributions of Irish Americans to our nation.

We ask the intercession of St. Patrick to deliver our communities safely from this illness.

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Revolutionary Sunday: George Washington Returns to The Old ’76 House July 26

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7 days ago

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July 22, 2026

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History comes to life once again at The Old ’76 House as the legendary tavern welcomes the return of George Washington for a special Revolutionary Sunday celebration. The event concludes a memorable July weekend series honoring America’s 250th anniversary with immersive Revolutionary War reenactments, exceptional dining, and family-friendly entertainment.

Visitors are invited to step back in time and experience the place where history unfolded during the American Revolution. Throughout the day, guests will have the opportunity to witness live historical reenactments featuring General George Washington and other Revolutionary-era figures, bringing one of the nation’s most significant periods vividly to life.

In addition to the reenactments, guests can enjoy The Old ’76 House’s renowned food, drinks, and historic atmosphere while celebrating America’s enduring legacy. Whether you’re a lifelong history enthusiast, a family looking for a unique weekend outing, or simply searching for a memorable way to commemorate the nation’s 250th anniversary, Revolutionary Sunday promises an experience unlike any other.

Known as one of the oldest taverns in the United States, The Old ’76 House has played a remarkable role in American history. During the Revolutionary War, it served as the headquarters for Continental Army officers and is famously associated with the imprisonment of British Major John André following his capture in connection with Benedict Arnold’s plot to surrender West Point.

The Revolutionary Sunday celebration offers visitors the rare opportunity to experience this historic setting while watching history unfold through engaging living history presentations and interactive performances.

Reservations are strongly encouraged.

Event: Revolutionary Sunday – Return of Washington July 26, 2026
Location: The Old ’76 House, Tappan, New York
Reservations: 845-359-5476

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Toys for Tots Hosting Halfway to Christmas Toy Drive at Davies Farm July 25

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7 days ago

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July 22, 2026

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Christmas is coming early this weekend as Toys for Tots hosts its Halfway to Christmas toy drive at Davies Farm in Congers.

The event aims to fill a military HMMWV trailer with new, unwrapped toys that will be distributed to children throughout Rockland County during the upcoming holiday season.

Families are invited to stop by, donate a new toy, and meet Santa Claus, who will be on hand to greet children and help spread some Christmas cheer in the middle of summer.

Organizers hope the community will come together to help ensure local children and families benefit from the Toys for Tots program this holiday season. Every donated toy helps bring joy to a child in need.

Those attending are encouraged to bring a new, unwrapped toy to support the annual campaign and help fill the trailer for children across Rockland County.

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