Pittsburgh's St. Patrick's Day parade to go on despite coronavirus fears

Organizers of Pittsburgh’s St. Patrick’s Day parade said Tuesday the parade will go on as usual Saturday, despite the worldwide coronavirus outbreak that’s prompted similar events in other cities to be canceled.

“We’re a hardy group,” said Jeffrey “Mac” McCafferty, the chairman of the Pittsburgh parade. “We want people to exercise caution. If they don’t feel well, don’t come.”

Similar parades held in Boston and throughout Ireland have been canceled amid fears wrought by the spread of coronavirus.

“We don’t really see any reason to change it,” McCafferty said. “I’m for everyone taking a bite of dirt, a roll in the mud, build up your immune system and let’s go.”

Unless city or county officials order the parade to be canceled, it will go on, he said.

In Pennsylvania, 12 people have tested positive for the disease, but all of them are in the eastern side of the state. Philadelphia Mayor Jim Kenney announced the city’s first case Tuesday, and city officials recommended residents consider not attending public gatherings that would typically have more than 5,000 people at it. On Tuesday night Philly announced it has canceled its St. Patrick’s Day parade.

McCafferty said persisting with the Pittsburgh parade is a point of pride, noting the parade was held during the blizzard of 1993.

“If we have nice weather, we can expect 350,000 people. Crappy weather, 250,000 people. We expect it to go on,” McCafferty said.

More than 20,000 people march in the parade, including Irish organizations, veterans groups, schools and politicians.

Among them is the St. Brigid’s Court Foundation, a Pittsburgh-based nonprofit that has marched in the parade for more than two decades.

“Keep it fun, folks, but keep your hands to yourself,” St. Brigid Court Committee Chairwoman Melissa Rossiter said about marching in this year’s parade.

She’s hopeful people who come to the parade bring hand sanitizer with them and are mindful in light of the coronavirus outbreak.

“It’s a celebration. We see people, and we hug and kiss, and that can’t go on this year,” Rossiter, of Mt. Washington, said. “No touchy-feely this year. By no means do I want people to stay away, but I do want them to use common sense.”

Several other Irish groups march in the parade, including Ancient Order of Hibernians Division 23, based in Lawrenceville.

“We haven’t heard of any significant concerns from the members,” the group’s treasurer, Jason Donaldson, said. “Many of those marching in or watching the parade will likely take a few more precautions. We are looking forward to a great parade and to celebrating Pittsburgh’s Irish heritage.”

City officials have given no indication that a cancellation is under consideration. On Thursday, officials will talk about public safety preparation in advance of the parade. The city is also offering free parking and shuttle service to those who want to celebrate Saturday in the South Side bar and restaurant district.

The owner of Mullaney’s Harp & Fiddle in the Strip District said he’s still expecting a crowd on Saturday.

“Pittsburghers are pretty resilient,” said David Regan, owner of the Irish pub in business since 1992. “I think they’re going to be out in full force for the parade, especially because there hasn’t been a case here yet.”

Regan remembers the 1993 blizzard, which did prompt the festivities to end by nightfall that year, he said.

“There’s a lot of tradition in the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Pittsburgh,” Regan said.

On parade day, Mullaney’s opens at 8 a.m. and is packed the whole day, he said. “I think they’ll be out in force on Saturday.”

South Side Chamber of Commerce President Mark Bucklaw agreed.

“I think it’s going to be just like any other St. Patrick’s Day,” Bucklaw said.

He advised revelers to do “everything their mother told them to,” regarding washing hands and refraining from sharing food or drink with others.