March 17, 2025: Top 5 Holidays to Celebrate in Utica and Beyond
March 17 isn’t just about wearing green and celebrating Irish heritage. This special day hosts several unique observances that offer opportunities for celebration, reflection, and community engagement. Here in Utica, we have our own special ways to mark these occasions. Let’s explore five fascinating holidays that fall on March 17, 2025, and how you can participate locally.
1. St. Patrick’s Day
The most recognized March 17 celebration, St. Patrick’s Day honors Ireland’s patron saint who brought Christianity to the Emerald Isle in the 5th century. What began as a religious feast day has evolved into a global celebration of Irish culture.
In Utica, our St. Patrick’s Day Parade stands as one of the largest in New York State. The 2025 parade will feature Grand Marshal Timothy Foley leading the procession through downtown. This beloved tradition brings together thousands of community members, with local businesses, schools, and organizations participating in the festivities.
The parade also supports our community through the associated food drive benefiting local charities. Last year’s drive collected over 2,000 pounds of non-perishable items, and organizers hope to exceed that in 2025.
Don’t miss the traditional Irish music at local venues like The Celtic Harp and Swifty’s Restaurant, where you can enjoy authentic corned beef and cabbage while listening to live performances.
2. National Corned Beef and Cabbage Day
Coinciding with St. Patrick’s Day, this food holiday celebrates the traditional Irish-American meal. While not historically authentic to Ireland (where bacon and cabbage was more common), corned beef and cabbage became popular among Irish immigrants in America who adapted their cooking to available ingredients.
Utica restaurants embrace this culinary tradition with special menus. Delmonico’s Italian Steakhouse offers a hearty corned beef dinner, while Babe’s at Harbor Point features a unique corned beef pizza fusion. For home cooks, Chanatry’s Hometown Market provides quality ingredients and preparation tips throughout March.
3. Act Happy Day
Founded by Dr. Dale Anderson in 2004, Act Happy Day encourages everyone to smile, laugh, and spread joy. Research shows that even “acting” happy can trigger positive physiological responses and improve mental health.
The Utica Public Library will host a special “Happiness Workshop” featuring local wellness experts discussing practical strategies for increasing daily joy. Meanwhile, the Upstate Cerebral Palsy Center plans activities for clients and staff focusing on gratitude and positive thinking.
Consider starting your own happiness tradition by performing random acts of kindness around Utica. Something as simple as buying coffee for a stranger at Utica Coffee Roasting Co. or leaving encouraging notes at Handshake.City can create ripples of positivity throughout our community.
4. Evacuation Day
While primarily celebrated in Suffolk County, Massachusetts, Evacuation Day commemorates the British evacuation from Boston during the American Revolutionary War on March 17, 1776. This holiday has historical significance for upstate New York, as many Revolutionary War battles were fought in our region.
History enthusiasts can visit the Oneida County Historical Society, which will feature a special exhibit on New York’s role in the Revolutionary War. Fort Stanwix National Monument in nearby Rome offers another opportunity to connect with our region’s revolutionary history.
5. Camp Fire Girls Day
Established to honor the founding of Camp Fire Girls (now Camp Fire) on March 17, 1910, this day celebrates one of America’s oldest youth development organizations. Camp Fire promotes youth leadership and outdoor experiences regardless of background or ability.
The Utica chapter of Camp Fire will host an open house at their Riverside Center location, showcasing programs and inviting new members. Their “Spark a Future” fundraising campaign launches on this day, supporting scholarships for local youth to attend summer camps and after-school programs.
March 17, 2025, offers Utica residents multiple ways to celebrate, learn, and engage with our community. Whether you’re marching in the St. Patrick’s Day parade, enjoying traditional Irish cuisine, spreading happiness, exploring local history, or supporting youth development, these holidays provide meaningful connections to our shared heritage and values.
How will you celebrate March 17 this year? Share your plans in the comments below!
