thirty first annual Bay Ridge St. Patrick’s Day Parade celebrates neighborhood and Irish tradition

It was a sea of inexperienced for the thirty first annual Bay Ridge St. Patrick’s Day Parade March 22.

The step off was on the nook of Marine and Third avenues at 1 p.m. The parade continued all the way down to 67th Road.

This 12 months, the parade befell two days after the primary day of spring and acquired heat climate. It included classic vehicles, floats, marching bands, musical performances, and appearances from neighborhood leaders and organizations.  

The grand marshal was Rev. Kevin Abels, pastor of St. Anselm Church, Our Girl of Angels and St. Andrew The Apostle Church.

“Being named grand marshal was really an honor that I’ll cherish for a lifetime,” he mentioned. “I share this recognition with the great individuals of Our Girl of Angels, St. Anselm, and St. Andrew, who deliver a lot life and religion to our neighborhood. Seeing our younger individuals alongside the parade route crammed me with consolation and hope, reminding me that this custom will proceed to deliver us collectively for generations to return.”

Deputy marshals included Maureen O’Malley-Byrnes, Kathleen Conlon, Elaine Brown Delaney, Linda McDonagh, Kathleen Riordan, Jamie Farley, John Kane, Kevin Kelly, Joseph Riley, and Mike Tuohy.

The Irish Household of the Yr was the Gallaghers, and the Honorary Irishman of the Yr was Chris Puckhaber.

The festivities started with the celebration of Mass at St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church led by its pastor, Father Brian Dowd.

After that, honorees and the parade committee partook in a wreath laying and blessing on the memorial stone commemorating the lives misplaced in the course of the Easter Rebellion of 1916.

A pre-parade breakfast adopted, the place the honorees had been offered with commendations from elected officers.

“It’s an awesome occasion the place everybody comes out and celebrates custom, unity, and the heat of the neighborhood of Bay Ridge,” mentioned Riley. “The Guild for Distinctive Youngsters enthusiastically marches on this parade yearly, and rides on an attractive float courtesy of the Christian J. Santo Household Basis. There’s a variety of good work being accomplished in Bay Ridge, and so many wonderful individuals doing that work. Occasions just like the Saint Patrick’s Day parade give us all the chance to have fun our neighborhood collectively.”

Based on the committee, the afternoon had over 90 marching teams. Included within the marchers had been 12 bands, 9 floats, three Irish Step Dance squads, three vintage auto teams, and first responder items.

“Lots of the parade’s honoree alumni returned to take part, and the sideline crowds that lined the route had been huge due to the spectacular climate and excellent class of honorees heading the parade,” mentioned Richie O’Mara, the parade’s president. “Universally, the suggestions from so most of the parade supporters was extremely constructive. Smiles, banners, waves, and cheers met all of the teams as they processed down the avenue. The vitality was palpable, and the march appeared to fly by for the individuals.”

Parade-goers mentioned that the day held nice that means to them and the neighborhood.

“The Bay Ridge St. Patrick’s Day Parade has been bringing the love, religion, and custom of our neighborhood collectively for over 30 years,” mentioned Marianne Curran Fezza. “Although our neighborhood is altering culturally, this present day stays a large reunion and an opportunity to see all of the acquainted faces that come out to help the most important and most beloved parade in Bay Ridge.”

“The parade highlighted the deep roots of Irish-American historical past in Bay Ridge whereas showcasing the unity and spirit that outline the neighborhood at the moment,” mentioned Brian Chin. “From the enthusiastic crowds to the devoted volunteers who make the occasion attainable, the celebration mirrored the heat, resilience, and togetherness that make Bay Ridge such a particular place.”