UTICA, N.Y. - The Grand Marshal for the 2019 Saint Patrick's Day Parade will be John Sullivan.
The announcement was made Friday night at the annual HalfWay Hooley, held at the Saranac Brewery.
"I'm absolutely thrilled," Sullivan said. "I feel it's a great honor, I'm just crazy about it."
Sullivan is the first born of first generation in the United States, his parents are both from Ireland and being nominated as the Grand Marshal and being Irish, is not something Sullivan takes lightly.
"Anytime you get an achievement or an honor like this, it's because of the people you're surrounded with," Sullivan said. "And I'm so happy to be Irish."
Sullivan is the construction manager for the Irish Cultural Center that is being built in Utica, and he is very active in the Irish community. He also says he is excited for the Great American Irish Festival. The festival is in Frankfort, N.Y. and will be held on July 26 through July 28.
"Anyone that's ever gone down to that festival has enjoyed themselves, it's great music, a lot of dancing," Sullivan said.
The Saint Patrick's Day Parade is scheduled for March 16.
