SARANAC LAKE — Kelly Morgan-Duprey will serve as the 2024 Saranac Lake St. Patrick’s Day parade grand marshal.
Morgan-Duprey was selected by the Saranac Lake Irish Gaelic Organization.
It is decided by a vote of former grand marshals Mike Ryan, Howard Riley, Ray Scollin, John Muldowney, Pat Finn, Ron Keough and Dennis Dwyer.
The parade will travel Saturday, March 16 at 1 p.m. from the Saranac Lake Post Office to the Harrietstown Town Hall.
“I have been fortunate to live here in Saranac Lake all my life and be part of such a kind and giving community,” Morgan-Duprey said.
“I am very honored to be chosen as the grand marshal for the 2024 St. Patrick’s Day parade.”
Morgan-Duprey is a longtime member of the Saranac Lake Women’s Civic Chamber, assisting with the organization of many Winter Carnival coronation ceremonies.
She is also a past Saranac Lake Winter Carnival queen.
Morgan-Duprey also helps to organize the annual Thanksgiving Turkey Dinner at the Saranac Lake Adult Center.
She serves on the Saranac Lake Golf Club’s board of governors and is a card-carrying Saranac Lake Irish Gaelic Organization member.
According to Morgan-Duprey, daughter of Forrest “Dew Drop” Morgan and Sheila O’Reilly Morgan, there was always Irish music and parties at their family restaurant on St. Patrick’s Day in Saranac Lake.
“Sheila was our grand marshal. She truly embraced her Irish heritage, which she passed on to her children,” Morgan-Duprey said.
“Our daughter Jamie, her husband, Shawn, and grandson, Blake, along with nieces and nephews and cousins, continue to celebrate and enjoy the tradition and history of St. Patrick’s Day,” Morgan-Duprey said.
“Happy St. Patrick’s Day to all!”
The Saranac Lake Irish Gaelic Organization will host a cocktail reception Friday, March 15 beginning at 6 p.m. at Hotel Saranac.
Through the assistance of Albany’s Irish American Heritage Museum, an exhibit entitled “The Great Hunger Collection” will be on public display.
Saranac Lake’s St. Patrick’s Day parade and festivities are planned by the Saranac Lake Irish Gaelic Organization, a group of residents dedicated to community service and the promotion and celebration of Irish and Irish American history.
Membership is open to anyone 18 years of age or older, regardless of heritage or religion.