As Giving as the Irish. 

The 44th Syracuse St. Patrick’s Parade will take place on Saturday, March 14, 2026. The theme of the parade will be “As Giving as the Irish.” The theme celebrates the famous generosity and hospitality of the Irish, even – and most especially – when they may not have much themselves.

The St. Patrick’s Parade will be led by honorees who exemplify this theme: Grand Marshals David and Cindy Hoyne, Tom Burke, Sophia Meskos, and Chow Downey, and Gael of the Year Jason Smorol.

Grand Marshals

St. Baldrick’s Committee: David and Cindy Hoyne, Tom Burke, Sophia Meskos, and Chow Downey

Our Grand Marshals are the crew that founded and ran the highly successful St. Baldrick’s Fundraiser at Kitty Hoynes. Last year marked the 21st and final year of the event. In its two decades, the effort raised over $7 million to help find cures for children’s cancer. About 7,700 people in the area stepped up at least once to shave their heads to be part of the effort. Our Grand Marshals – all involved with the fundraiser from its early days – dedicated innumerable hours and energy to make St. Baldrick’s Fundraiser a financial success and a community staple for 20 years.

Gael of the Year

Jason Smorol

Gael of the Year Jason Smorol has been the General Manager of the Syracuse Mets since 2013. His energetic and creative leadership has included collaborations with many local organizations and nonprofits. Jason grew up in Syracuse in a proudly Polish-American household, and his mother made sure to instill pride in his Irish heritage as well, including naming a family boat the “Polish Leprachaun.” His love for Irish American culture extends into his professional life; early in his time with the team, he enthusiastically advocated for the Syracuse Chiefs to be in the St. Patrick’s Parade. The team has been in the Parade every year since signaling the end of the off season and a new baseball season that is about to begin.