By:Angela Marshall
The sky may have been overcast but spirits were high during the fifth annual Rockville Centre St. Patrick's Parade on Saturday, March 24.
Thousands of spectators, some five or six people deep,
lined the sidewalks to watch as an eclectic group of bag pipers, step dancers, antique cars, mounted police and Irish wolfhounds took a stroll down the streets.
The parade was led by Grand Marshal William Flynn, who stopped often to wave at the crowds. Parade organizers believe Flynn was one of more than 2,000 people to participate in the parade.
Rockville Centre's own Leggz Ltd. Dance Ensemble took Best Performance Organization as well as Best Crowd Pleaser, which they shared with walking partner the Green Giant. Stu Whalen wows the crowds every year with his green stilt-walking act.
The Rockville Centre Fire Department also won on the homecourt walking away with Best Fire Department.
Long-time parade organizer Mike Quane declared war on the threatening rain early in the day. He held up his Irish walking stick and said he would fight off the rain drops one by one.
It is estimated that tens of thousands of dollars were raised for this year's beneficiares: Bridges to Peace, the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children and the St. Agnes Parish Service Center.
And the winners are...
Best Crowd Pleaser: Leggz Ltd. Dance Ensemble and the Green Giant
Best Fire Department: Rockville Centre Fire Department
Best Historical Re-Enactment Group: Nassau-Suffolk Horseman's Association "Rough Riders"
Best Certified Irish Step Dancers: Schade Academy of Irish Dancing
Best Military Organization: The Chosen Few and NY Military Vehicle Club
Best Performance Organization: Leggz Ltd. Dance Ensemble
Best Pipe Band: Eastern Long Island Police Pipes and Drums
Best Uniformed Organization: Nassau County Sheriffs Department
Honorable mention: RVC Sanitation Department
