YouTube Theatre: The St. Patrick's Day Parade---a WPIX tradition (1949-89)

 When cable television was introduced to homes in the 518 in the 70's, that introduction also included a New York television tradition that was discontinued 35 years ago.

WPIX, now a CW affiliate, began airing the St. Patrick's Day parade in New York as a television experiment in 1949. What started as a hour-long special evolved into a 5 hour marathon by the time the parade broadcasts ended in 1989. The one constant was host Jack McCarthy, who was a children's show host for 'PIX during the 60's, and although McCarthy retired in the 70's, he continued with the parades until 1989.

Would that someone would tape Albany's annual parade, the 2024 edition taking place yesterday, for kicks.

From 1985, we have nearly half of a broadcast, 2 hours and 10 minutes worth, commercials included.

For what it's worth, today, WPIX is carrying a Mets pre-season game, airing locally on WCWN.