Rockville Centre shows Irish pride at St. Pat's Parade

Thousands of people decked out in green took to the streets last Saturday for Rockville Centre’s 22nd annual St. Patrick’s Parade, in celebration of Irish heritage.

According to the village’s Facebook page, more than 15,000 onlookers lined the sidewalks of Maple Avenue, as they watched more than 140 groups and 2,500 marchers participate in the event. John F. Coghlan served as the parade’s grand marshal.

“As always, the parade that shares and cares was a huge success,” Mayor Francis Murray told the Herald. “It’s one of the most exciting days here in [Rockville Centre], the downtown shops are booming, the streets are full of RVC pride, and we are able to give back to three worthy charities.”

The charities that benefitted this year included the Life’s WORC Family Center for Autism, which aims to engage the autism community with innovative programs for individuals with autism and their family members; the Family Lives On Foundation, which supports the lifelong emotional well-being of children who have suffered the death of a parent; and the Irish American Heritage Museum, which is the home to the Paul O’Dwyer Library.

According to the village, more than $1 million has been raised since the parade’s inception in 1997, benefitting 58 different charities.