Let's Not Forget Why There is a Binghamton Parade Day

2013 St. Patrick's Day Parade

The Binghamton St. Patrick's Day parade is tomorrow. An annual event meant to celebrate the contributions made by the Irish immigrants, not only to this area, but to American society, overall.  While I am not a prohibitionist by any means, and nor do I fault the local Binghamton bar owners from capitalizing on what may possibly be one of their most profitable days of the year; I do take exception to the overwhelming promotion of the day being solely for drinking and seeing who can make the biggest fool of themselves.

Now, I realize that many of you will not agree with me on this. That is fine. But I cannot be the only one who takes offense to status updates asking if we have started drinking yet for parade day? We need to come together as a community and positively promote Binghamton.  If someone totally unfamiliar with Binghamton were to scroll through my news feed today, they would assume; wrongly, of course, that all we do is brag about drinking and getting wasted.

Is this the Binghamton we want to promote to potential new businesses who could bring much needed jobs to the area?  Is this the Binghamton we want to celebrate; not only on parade day, but throughout the year?

If the answer is a resounding yes; then I will stick my tail between my legs and not say another word about the matter.  I strongly believe many feel the same way I do.  There is a time and a place for a beer or two.  There are several pre and post parade events scheduled.  I, myself, have plans on attending several of them. Let's keep the parade's true meaning in mind and be respectful of those who are actually there to enjoy it with their friends and family.  You never know who may be standing next to you on the sidewalk; it could be the CEO of a major corporation looking to move his or her entire operation (including jobs) into the Greater Binghamton area.