Emerald Eyes Shine in Staten Island

  A sea of green could be seen up and down the parade route on Forest Ave. for the largest parade in Staten Island. The 48th annual St. Patrick’s parade celebrating Irish pride and tradition was getting ready to kick off with much fanfare and anticipation. The locals have been coming to this traditional parade for years and as custom the runners were in place to run the length of the parade route signaling the start of the parade. The mounted police soon followed with the NYC marching pipes and drum band. This years Grand Marshall, Thomas J. McSorely of Brighton led the parade. A Navy Veteran and member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians Division IV, Mr. McSorely was very gracious and honored at being the Grand Marshall.  He was followed by a few pipes and drum bands and the first of several marching bands made their way. Our Lady Star of the Sea marching band accompanied the honorable Mayor Bloomberg who received generous applause from the crowd. A show of force came next when military equipment, firetrucks and classic police cars made their way down the parade route.

   Then the fun started when a few convertibles rode top down with beauty pageant winners of Richmond County. A definite crowd pleaser were the Irish step dancers from  Mrs. Rosemary’s Dance School. They grew in numbers since last year.  Port Richmond’s High School marching band held court momentarily while various civic groups marched after them. One thing about the local parades is that many of the younger crowd get to march. I’ve never seen so many Boys and Girls Scouts before. Great job. A scene stealer was the Basset Hound Club of SI. The crowd enjoyed the hounds all dressed up in green as I’m sure the dogs were basking in the sunlight. Saving the best for last was the impressive Msgr. Farrell High School marching band playing for the crowd as they marched in precision. Another addition to the finale was the Corvette Car Club of SI. Car models from different years awed the crowd. As they drove by me, one car looked better than the next.  The parade came to a close and I couldn’t help notice the happy faces on the little ones as the Pride of the Irish was on display for all to see.