HOBOKEN — Thousands of celebrants come to Hoboken each year for it’s (early) St. Patrick’s Day Parade and related house parties. The city has gradually increased fines for public drunkenness and other violations to a maximum of $2,000 this year, but with some bars opening at 9 a.m., there are likely to be a few stumbles.
As for the parade itself, it will kick off at 1 p.m. from 14th and Washington Street and head south on Washington to a reviewing station at City Hall, First and Washington streets.
Washington Street will be closed to traffic beginning at 12:30 p.m. and running until the parade is over – and the northern end of Washington from 12th to 15th streets will actually be closed by 11 a.m.
The parade is held earlier than others in order to get the best bands and displays.
Despite the city’s attempts to keep the partying calm, other media outlets are reporting about it in ways like this (in a Philly area publication today):
Hoboken, N.J., is throwing one of the rowdiest parties in the metropolitan area Saturday. In past years, thousands of New Yorkers have hopped on the PATH to join in the revelry that is Hoboken’s St. Patrick’s Day parade.
The tiny city is expecting an estimated 40,000 people to descend on the town, where the bars will open at 9 a.m. But if you’re going, be warned: This year Hoboken is cracking down more than ever on the parade, which is known for rowdy house parties and public drunkenness.
For last-minute police or parking information on parade day, call the police at 201-420-2131.