63.0°,
Partly Cloudy Irish pride in Rockville Centre
Record turnout for St. Patrick's parade, little police action afterwards
Droves of villagers and out-of-towners dressed in green lined the sidewalks last Saturday for the 15th annual Rockville Centre St. Patrick’s parade.
Since its beginnings in 1997, the parade has grown into the largest event of its kind on Long Island. Last year it drew a crowd estimated at 12,000 or more, and on Saturday it outdid that, attracting between 15,000 and 18,000 people, according to Police Commissioner Charles Gennario.
“It was wonderful,” said Fran Murray, a member of the parade organizing committee. “The weather was terrific … the event certainly lived up to its name as ‘the parade that cares and shares.’”
Leading the two-hour parade were co-Grand Marshals Joseph Kelly and Bud Cosgrove. Rockville Centre resident and State Sen. Dean Skelos also walked along the route, which stretched from Long Beach Road and Maple Avenue to North Village Avenue, near St. Agnes Cathedral.
U.S. Sen. Charles Schumer, Mayor Mary Bossart and Village Trustees David Krasula and Kevin Glynn joined Skelos, as did Town of Hempstead Councilman Anthony Santino. “It’s a great time to be had by all,” said Krasula.
The Parade Committee invited representatives of three charities — its beneficiaries this year — to march, including the Nassau-Suffolk chapter of the Autism Society of America. The national charity was the Wounded Warriors, which helps injured U.S. service members. Our Lady’s Children’s Hospital in Crumlin, Ireland, the country’s largest pediatric teaching hospital, was chosen as the Irish charity.
Members of nearly 120 organizations took part in the parade, including the Jets cheerleaders — known as the Flight Crew — and Mr. Met. More than 20 pipe and drum units performed.
Local supporters who marched included employees and representatives of CJ’s Coffee Shop, R.J. Daniels, Cannon’s Blackthorn, Monaghan’s Irish Restaurant and Kasey’s American Grill. Rockville Centre Girl Scouts marched, too, as did the village Fire Department and Police Department.
Schumer and his aids carried a sign that read, “Schumer salutes the Irish.” “Let’s hear it for the Irish!” Schumer shouted to the crowd. “Let’s hear it for Rockville Centre!”
A peaceful post-parade celebration
