The return of the Tartan Day Parade was yet another sign that things are getting back to normal in the Big City. After a two year in person pause, the young parade still drew thousands to 6th Ave. to celebrate all things Scottish. The parade is a culmination of a week long series of events all throughout the City celebrating Scottish culture, heritage and contribution to American society. Tartan Day is celebrated in Scotland on April 6th and commemorates the 1320 signing of the Declaration of Abroath, which is said to have been a contributing document to the American Declaration of Independence. This years Grand Marshall was movie and television actress Karen Gillan. She was having a grand time cheering on her countrymates.
With more than a dozen pipes and drums bands ready to make their way up the parade route on 6th Ave., the revelry was just getting warmed up when the Mt. Kisco Scottish Pipe and Drum Band got the crowd worked up. Some groups showed their allegiance with Ukraine by wearing symbolic t shirts or waving the blue and yellow flag as a symbol of solidarity. Scottish Dancers showed off some of their moves to the adoring crowd. A perennial favorite took center stage when the Shamrock and Thistle Pipes and Drum Band marched in formation past the famous Radio City Music Hall. Another favorite to return was the Pipes and Drum Band of Tir na nog. They were awesome. Everyone’s favorite display of Scottish pets arrived including Welsh terriers, shelties and wolfhounds.
One marching band paid tribute to a fallen hero from their group. The Hudson Highland and Middlesex County Pipes and Drums Band joined forces to pay tribute to Jock. They are a huge favorite of the parade and always draw the loudest cheers. The South Jersey Celtic Society arrived and was a pleasant surprise. Many clans of Scottish descent also joined in on the fun. There are over 6 million Scottish descendants residing in the US and many came from all over the country for this amazing event. As usual with this parade, the pipe bands congregate on 56th St. after the parade and have an impromptu jam session. One version of Amazing Grace was pretty good but the kicker was the Virginia Military Institute playing a song requested by actress Marion Ross of Happy Days fame. It was her 90th birthday present. All in all the parade was fantastic with many happy faces and good times.
NYC Parade Life 