It may be small, but Auburn’s St. Patrick’s Day celebration once again proved that good things come in tiny packages.
New York State’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade returned Saturday on VanAnden Street in Auburn, bringing a quick burst of Irish cheer to the community.
The parade route stretches just 291 feet, making it one of the most uniquely compact St. Patrick’s Day parades anywhere. This year’s festivities were led by Grand Marshal Chris Major, who helped guide the short but spirited march down the block.
Because of cold and windy weather, this year’s parade moved along even faster than usual — lasting just about three minutes from start to finish.
Under more typical conditions, the tiny parade takes around five and a half minutes to complete.
Despite the brisk conditions and quick pace, the event still delivered plenty of smiles as spectators bundled up in green to celebrate the holiday and Auburn’s quirky tradition.
And while it may be the shortest parade in the state, the community spirit surrounding it remains anything but small.
