WAPPINGERS FALLS – Hundreds of marchers and thousands of onlookers are expected in the Village of Wappingers Falls today (Saturday), for the 2026 Dutchess County St. Patrick’s Day Parade, celebrating its 31st anniversary.  This year’s Grand Marshal is Dr. Dennis Murray, the man who served as the third President of Maris College from 1979 to 2016.  Following his 37-year tenure, he took the helm of the college, now university again in 2019 following the resignation of his successor.  He stayed in the position until 2021.

The emcee is the parade’s 2023 Grand Marshal, William “Bill” Beale.  The emcee serves in many roles, including Wappinger Town Councilman.

The lineup for the parade begins at noon, with marchers stepping off at 1 p.m.

The parade will travel from West Main Street (9D) in the village, over the creek, and up the hill to the reviewing stand near the library.  The parade will then turn right onto South Avenue (Route 9D), then left onto Elm Street, and finally left onto South Mesier Avenue, finishing at Mesier Park.

West Main Street will be closed to vehicular traffic around noon on Saturday.

Attendees are encouraged to park at the South Hills Mall or the Wappingers Falls Junior High School.  Shuttle buses will be available to transport onlookers to the parade from 11:15 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. and back to the lots from 3:15 p.m. to 5 p.m.