NEWARK -- Organizers of Newark's annual St. Patrick's Day parade say it's not just the oldest celebration in the state - it's also the best.

"A high concentration of Irish-American immigrants first settled in Newark," said Michael Byrne, chairman of the St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee. "As they continued to spread out throughout the state, parades were established in other communities. But Newark's parade is the original and is still the best."

This year, the late season nor'easter forced organizers to delay the 82nd annual parade by a week. It will now start at 1 p.m. Friday. The committee said it decided to hold off for a week given the condition of the roads and sidewalks.

The day's schedule will be similar, but those details are still being finalized.

Rev. Edwin D. Leahy, headmaster of St. Benedict's Preparatory School, will be the 2017 Grand Marshal and Elizabeth "Betty" Teevan will be Deputy Grand Marshal.

The newest leader of the Archdiocese of Newark, Cardinal Joseph Tobin, will preside over a memorial mass in the morning and inaugurate the Grand Marshal and Deputy Grand Marshal. The mass will take place at the St. Patrick's Pro-Cathedral.

Organizers say the 2017 parade is dedicated to Robert "Bob" H. Largey and the late Marguerite "Marge" Quinn Largey. Both belonged to several Irish associations and clubs. Marge Largey, born in Orange, died in August from a rare respiratory condition.

The parade will also feature a high school band competition, drawing student representatives from every school in Newark and other school districts around the state.

"We know that Irish-Americans from across New Jersey will come out to support and celebrate this important tradition," Byrne said.

The parade kicks off at 1 p.m. The route begins at the Prudential Center on Mulberry Street and will pass by the Gateway Center, NJPAC, Military Park, St. Patrick's Pro-Cathedral, the Newark Museum, and Washington Park.

Visit newarkparade.com for more information and to see the entire route.

Karen Yi may be reached at kyi@njadvancemedia.com. Follow her on Twitter at @karen_yi or on Facebook.