Photo: David Butler / iStock / Getty Images
Organizers of the Saint Patrick's Day Parade in Syracuse have selected five grand marshals for the 2026 event. David and Cindy Hoyne, Tom Burke, Sophie Meskos, and Chow Downey will lead the parade, recognizing their significant contributions to the Saint Baldrick's fundraiser at Kitty Hoyne's Irish Pub. Over its 21-year history, the event has raised more than $7 million to support pediatric cancer research by shaving 7,701 heads.
The grand marshals have been pivotal in transforming a small idea into a major community tradition in Central New York. "This is a testament to what our community did," said Meskos, highlighting the thousands of participants who have supported the cause over the years. The fundraiser began in 2005, raising $73,000 in its first year and reaching a peak of $540,000 in 2019.
David Hoyne, who will become only the third person to serve as grand marshal twice, emphasized the community's role in the event's success. "It was never about us," said Downey, who also emceed the annual shave. "It was everybody in this bar, the people on that stage who got their heads shaved, and the people they did it for."
The 44th annual parade will step off on Saturday, March 14, at noon, celebrating the theme "As Giving as the Irish," which honors the generosity and hospitality for which the Irish are known. The parade will feature live broadcasts and post-parade celebrations with Irish music and dance.
In addition to the grand marshals, Jason Smorol, general manager of the Syracuse Mets, will receive the Gael of the Year award for his dedication to the Syracuse community.
According to Syracuse.com, the event's organizers hope to inspire the next generation to continue the tradition, with potential new venues like the ballpark or the Upstate Foundation.