The Effingham County High School marching band will march up Fifth Avenue for the 2026 St. Patrick’s Day Parade in New York City.

Band director William Alford said the invitation marks a milestone for the group — their biggest stage yet.

“It’s a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for the kids,” Alford said. “They are going to a place they’ve never been and performing in front of a large crowd of 2 million people.”

The New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade is one of the oldest and most storied in the country, held annually since 1762 in honor of Ireland’s patron saint. It’s also one of the most-watched parades in the world — and Effingham’s band is ready to make its mark.

Alford applied for a spot in last fall’s selection process, submitting performance footage and testimonials. The band previously performed at the Fiesta Flambeau Parade in San Antonio, Texas, but Alford said New York is on another level.

The band will begin preparing musically in early 2026. While the set list hasn’t been finalized, Alford plans to select music that’s both crowd-pleasing and fitting for the iconic venue.

Assistant band director Anthony Jones praised the students’ growth and dedication.

“It’s been amazing watching their growth from when they first get here in ninth grade to now,” Jones said. “It is very rewarding.”

Traveling with a full band takes serious logistics — and fundraising. Though students traditionally cover much of the cost, community support is critical. The band is currently running a Coca-Cola fundraiser and has more efforts in the works.

“We are very grateful for the support we’ve received from the community so far,” Alford said. “They should be very proud of their students.”