Preparations are underway for the Rockland County St. Patrick's Day Parade in Pearl River, the second-largest in the state.

The parade is in its 57th year in 2019. It is hosted by the Rockland County Ancient Order of Hibernians.

Orangetown Town Supervisor Chris Day says crowds should arrive early, with thousands of spectators expected to flood in to Downtown Pearl River.

"Streets are shut down early, an hour to an hour and a half before kickoff time at 1:30. So you want to get in before lunchtime to make sure you can get a good parking spot," says Day.

Another way to avoid the hassle of finding a parking spot is simply taking a train ride straight to the Pearl River station.

"The closest you'll be able to park is about a block, to a block and a half away," says Day. "But you're not going to get that close if you wait too close to when the parade starts."

With this year's celebration happening on the actual holiday, even more people are expected to attend.