The Historical Carriages of Central Park group, led by spokesperson Stephen Malone, has applied to participate in the St. Pat’s for All parade in Queens on Sunday, March 1, and their application has been accepted.

New York Mayor Bill de Blasio, who is leading the push to eliminate the horse and carriage trade from Central Park – a bill is currently pending in the City Council – will also be taking part in the Queens event.

“Any group can go to our site and register to march,” says Brendan Fay. “We are St. Pat’s for All and we welcome parishes, community groups, labor groups, unions. Including the Historical Carriages of Central Park – who are in conflict with the mayor over the issue – is in no way unusual for us.

“There was never a political figure in our parade who did not see at least one group who advocated for issues that took a different position. It’s part of the wider tapestry of the city. Our message to New York is inclusivity and welcome.”

Kerry Kennedy and Brian F. O’Byrne will serve as grand marshals of this year’s St. Pat’s for All parade. For information, visit www.stpatsforall.com.