The 62nd Rockland Ancient Order of Hibernians St. Patrick’s Day Parade returns to Pearl River this weekend, bringing one of New York’s largest celebrations of Irish heritage back to the streets of Rockland County.

When Pat Withers puts on his sash as this year’s grand marshal, he’ll be thinking of someone special who wore one before him.

“This was my father’s sash that he wore in 1991,” he said.

Withers said the moment carries deep meaning for his family.

“I know he will bring the sunshine, and he will be looking down with pride, and I'm sure if it does shed any rain, it will be tears of joy.”

A photo from more than 30 years ago shows his father marching in the Pearl River parade as the grand marshal alongside Withers’ sister. On Sunday, Withers will follow in his father’s footsteps with both his sister and his daughter by his side.

“It’s a lot of pride for me and my family. And I look forward to marching down the avenue,” he said.

The Pearl River celebration is considered the second-largest St. Patrick’s Day parade in New York state, behind only New York City’s. This year marks the 62nd annual event, which coincides with America’s 250th birthday.

Parade organizers say the milestone offers an opportunity to highlight the role of Irish immigrants in the nation’s early history.

“When the Declaration of Independence was attested to, it was attested by a continental secretary who was an immigrant from Derry,” said Neil Cosgrove of the Rockland AOH. “The first printings of it were by a printer who was an immigrant from County Tyrone. And when it was first read in public in Philadelphia, it was read by the son of an immigrant from Wexford.”

As thousands of spectators gather to watch more than 150 groups march, local businesses are preparing for the crowds. Tara McDonald of The Gracie Rose said it’s an important day for them.

“It brings in so many members of not just our Pearl River community, but all over Rockland County, New Jersey. So, we get lots of new faces in here that can experience a taste of home that we bring to the community every day.”

The Orangetown Highway Department will paint a green stripe down the parade route Sunday morning and set up barricades to ensure safety along the streets.

Orangetown police say the parade route and surrounding roads will close at noon Sunday.