By Angela Marshall
The crowd was entertained for nearly two hours by almost 100 organizations. Representing the Irish culture St. Patrick loved were Irish step dancers, Irish wolfhounds, Hibernians and pipe bands galore. They were joined by dignitaries, fire and police department contingents, antique cars, children's organizations and much more.
The parade gets better and better each year, Mayor Eugene Murray said at the village board meeting on Monday.
Grand Marshal James Gill of Rockville Centre dedicated the parade this year in memory of retired Bishop John R. McGann, a founder of the parade and its first grand marshal. McGann died earlier this year.
Gill also recognized all the priests of the Diocese of Rockville Centre, past and present, saying they have served the people well through the years and will continue to do so despite these difficult times, referring to the nationwide controversy surrounding reported pedophile abuses by priests.
Villagers also used the parade to pay tribute to the Rockville Centre victims of the World Trade Center attacks on Sept. 11. New York City fire fighter Gary McNulty of Rockville Centre and NYC police officer Chris Reynolds of Oceanside carried a banner in honor of the victims. Marching with them were several of the We Care Dance-A-Thon participants, who raised money for the We Care RVC Fund.
South Hempstead Fire Department personnel wore pictures of their lost member, Joe Hunter, in their hat bands.
Those marching in the parade might have wondered if some of the participants had stopped to join the crowd due to the high volume of creamy Irish sweaters and cheery green hats. As usual, Tracy Noon of Oceanside was decked out from head to toe in proud Irish attire. And at several spots along the route children like Jimmy and Sara Herrmann could be seen snuggling in their Irish sweaters.
Spectators and parade organizers alike gladly accepted this year's slight breeze over last year's on-again off-again drizzle.
Following the parade, judges picked their favorite participants in eight categories. Among the winners was the Rockville Centre Girl Scouts for Best Uniformed Organization. Rockville Centre's other award-winning group was the Leggz Ltd. Dance Ensemble for Best Performance Organization.
Each year, three charities are selected to receives funds raised by the committee. The three charities that will benefit from this year's parade are the New York Police Fire Widows' and Children's Benefit Fund, The Lower East Side Tenement Museum's Irish Apartment Project and the We Care RVC Fund.
