Each year, the Staten Island St. Patrick’s Day Parade marches up Forest Avenue without the Pride Center of Staten Island — and this year was no different.

“Just as we have for years, the Pride Center has gone to the parade committee’s application day to apply in person. They require you to go in person to apply with a paper application. We’ve gone year after year,“ LGBTQ advocate KC Hankins said.

What You Need To Know

  • Each year, the Staten Island St. Patrick’s Day Parade marches up Forest Avenue without the Pride Center of Staten Island. This year's parade was held on March 3 

  • The center said it has been denied because rules on the application state the parade does not allow any sexual identification or political agendas to be promoted

  • But for the first year, another parade will be held to include all who want to march. The Forest Avenue Business Improvement District announced its new parade will take place on St. Patrick’s Day

The event held on March 3 was organized by the Parade Committee of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. The Pride Center of Staten Island said it has been denied because rules on the application state the parade does not allow any sexual identification or political agendas to be promoted.

Leaders declined NY1's interview requests.

But for the first year, another parade will be held to include all who want to march. The Forest Avenue Business Improvement District announced its new parade will take place on St. Patrick’s Day.

“This event marks an important milestone for our community, and it’s a step forward enforcing inclusion,” Nina Flores, executive director at the BID, said.

“The community outreach has been tremendous,” added Megan Coppola, who owns Beans and Leaves Cafe on Forest Avenue and is the chair of the BID.

She said she’s noticed fewer revelers in the past, and believes it’s because of the parade controversy. But now, she anticipates a big crowd.

“It feels like the buzz that we used to have leading up to the original parade. Now, it’s just it’s the new parade. It’s everyone’s going to be there. Everyone’s allowed, you know, everyone. Everyone feels welcome,” Coppola said.

Some Staten Islanders said they welcome a second parade, but wish things were different. And Coppola said that’s the goal.

“The hope is that one, hopefully, next year, we could all be together. But until we are able to be, this is how it’s going to move forward,” she said.

Although the Ancient Order of Hibernians is not directly linked with all St. Patrick’s Day parades, NY1 did reach out for comment, but has not heard back.

The Forest Avenue St. Patrick’s Day parade will begin at 11 a.m. on March 17.