Just got home a short time ago from the
St. Patrick's' Day Parade here in Newark. Twas a glorious day indeed.
Early in the morning the skies were overcast and it looked like
it was going to rain. By the time the parade got started at 1pm
the sun had broken out and remained out for the remainder of the
parade. Was a little chilly (50 degrees or so) and a little windy
but that didn't damper any ones spirits.
Began the day at the 9:15 Mass at St. Patrick's Cathedral - not
quite as crowded as last year - but was about 75% filled. Almost
all of the St. Patrick's Day Committee were there including Edward
Brannigan this year's Grand Marshall and his family. After Mass
I went over to the Hamilton Pub and had a wonderful brunch. Sat
at the table next to Ed Brannigan and spent a few minutes chatting
with him. Too a nice photo of him and will get it over to Glenn
in a few days.
Walked down to City Hall around noon or so and they were playing
plenty of Irish songs, and there was a group of Irish children doing
their fancy Irish dances. Mayor Sharpe James was there and read
a proclamation welcoming this years parade and mentioned the important
role the Irish played in the development of this city. After his
speech I had a minute or two to chat with him.
The parade kicked off around 1:15pm. Broad Street wasn't too crowded
when I first walked down toward City Hall, but by the time the parade
got started there were plenty of people on the sidelines. Again,
not as many as last year, but a goodly turnout anyway. The various
bag pipe groups were great. There were many contingents from the
various police and fire dept's from Newark and surrounding communities.
All all of the high schools were represented and I especially enjoyed
the groups from West Side and Barringer. There was a contingent
from McGovern's and also from Cryan's. The Vailsburg and Ironbound
Irish Assn's were also well represented. And for all of you Marines
out there I must have heard the Marine Corps Hymn played as least
ten times or more.
On the way back I stopped in McGovern's and the Hamilton Pub and
could hardly move - they were both packed to the rafters.
All in all, it was a Great Day for the Irish, and everyone else,
here in Newark today.
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