The freezing temperatures this past week did not stop one community located on Syracuse's Far Westside from celebrating their annual Green Beer Sunday.
Coleman’s Irish Pub, [11] located in Tipperary Hill, started the tradition over five decades ago.
"My grandfather started Coleman’s in 1933,” said parade organizer Beth Coleman Deehan. “This started 52 years ago just as a way to get some excitement when in the middle of a dreary winter and get people looking forward to spring.”
Hundreds gathered around the pub at noon for a parade to kick off the countdown toward St. Patrick’s Day, and what Tipp Hill locals call “the rite of passage” to spring.
This year’s parade featured four Irish step dancing groups and three pipe bands.
Local businesses on Tipp Hill also participated in the parade by providing floats, beads and cookies.
But the main attraction was a tanker truck carrying over 7,000 gallons of green beer, which will last until St. Patrick’s Day.
Green Beer Sunday is in February to give the community a headstart in showcasing their Irish sprit before March.
“Tipp Hill has so much pride in their Irish heritage,” Deehan said. “There’s so much to celebrate in March, and it seems like it comes up so quick that we need to give everyone a little more time to celebrate.”
Although Green Beer Sunday is a celebration of Irish heritage, people of many different backgrounds were able to enjoy the event.
“This is a tradition for me and father,” said Syracuse resident Addy Tauro. “We come out and celebrate even though we’re Italian. This is my day to be Irish.”
To continue celebrating Irish heritage, activities and events will be held throughout the month of February and March, such as the 10th annual Tipperary Hill Shamrock Run and the St. Patrick’s Parade in downtown Syracuse.
