Rochester’s leprechaun has worn his costume for decades. What he thought would be a onetime thing, turned into a 30 year tradition.

John Patrick Sullivan’s journey began in 1979 when he was working as a Food Service Manager at Kodak, when a co-worker suggested he dress up as a leprechaun for the company’s St. Patrick’s Day event.

“I have a sign outside on my front door that has the days until St. Patrick’s Day and every day I change it one by one. Many times in the past my employees would try and catch me to say how many days and I’d have to remember before I go out the door to check the calendar and remember it,” said Sullivan.

Sullivan was named Honorary Marshall for the 2018 TOPS Rochester St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

“When I asked John what he’s enjoyed most about being the leprechaun, he told me he’s loved meeting hundreds of wonderful people and bringing a smile to their faces,” said Kate McBride, Parade Committee Member.

“I had one step up to me and have a picture taken with her daughter and her daughter was about 5’8. Then she pulled out of her purse a picture and here’s this five year old in her dancing outfit, same girl,” added Sullivan.

Sullivan has some advice on what it takes to be a good leprechaun.

”First of all, being short, a good sense of humor, not afraid to talk to people, light-hearted, smiling most of the time and likes to play jokes on people,” added Sullivan.

A new tradition will begin for Rochester in 2019, as 20-year-old, Luke Dowdell, takes over as the Parade’s leprechaun.

Saturday was Sullivan’s last time in the role after 30 years in the Rochester parade. 

 “I’m so humbled that John would request me to take over this role after fulfilling it so well for so long, and I can only hope to do just as good a job as he did,” said Dowdell.

John is also hanging up his over 100-year-old shillelagh in Rochester, but hopes to be marching in a parade next year in Rhode Island where two of his sons live.