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Community Corner

Irish Spirit Takes Over Huntington

Thousands join the celebration of all things Irish.

Fair weather and (sometimes) blue skies accompanied the thousands who came down to Huntington Village Sunday for the 77th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

The route along New York Avenue and Main Street was jammed with onlookers who came to get their annual fill of shamrocks, smiles, and all things kelly green.

For nine-year-old Devin Boyd, half the fun is just being able to get to the parade. "I think the parade is really fun. And this one is twenty times better than the last one. Every year it gets better and better!"

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"Last time was a little rainy," continues his father, Ernie, from Huntington Station. "But we did make it. It’s a tradition with me and him. We try to keep it going."

Along Main Street, St. John’s Episcopal Church was busy selling candy, cookies, soda and coffee to passersby. "We do it every year, except last year," says one of the church’s youth directors, Ford Spilsbury. "We’ve been doing it since the ‘70s." This year, the funds they raise will go to replacing benches at the front of the church property which needed replacement.

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Members of town government were part of the early procession of marchers, and would join councilman Mark Cuthbertson – who was the master of ceremonies for this year’s parade – on the grandstand.

Town Supervisor Frank Petrone, along with town councilmembers Susan Berland, Glenda Jackson, and Mark Mayoka all greeted the paraders with the enthusiasm and spirit that befits St. Patrick’s Day festivities in Huntington.

U.S. Rep. Steve Israel, D-Huntington, also came to take part in the yearly celebration, and was flanked by New York State Sen. Carl Marcellino. So, too, did Suffolk County Executive Steve Levy.

Not to be outdone, a nattily attired Charles Schumer came to wish onlookers a "happy St. Patrick’s Day." Schumer arrived equipped with his own battery-powered bullhorn – just the piece of gear to bring to such an already boisterous event.

Sarah Scott, 13, of Huntington Station says she’s enjoyed the parade in the past, but is still afraid of the loud noises. "I really don’t like the horns on the ambulances and trucks. And I don’t like when the old soldiers shot their guns" such as groups like the 9th Virginia Infantry Civil War Re-enactors.

Mother and daughter Meg and Madison were anxiously waiting to see other family members pass by in the procession this year. "I like all the kids that get in there. My sister and brother are in it this year" said a giddy Madison.

"Cub Scouts and Girl Scouts," notes proud mother Meg. "We love it that everyone is out here, celebrating Irish heritage. It’s wonderful."

Kathleen Hughes is waiting to see her daughter pass by, 11-year-old Elizabeth, as one of the Shamrockettes, dancers from St. Patrick’s School in Huntington.

Dorothy Kraemer from Huntington Station had come down to the parade for the first time in years.  She moved to the area in the winter of 1962. Although she had had little contact with her neighbors for the first few months, several invited her and her husband George, to the parade that next March.

"It was interesting to finally see my neighbors a bit more, and to see how many people lived in this town. We were surprised! We lived in the woods and had no idea that the town had events like this, or that so many would get together on St. Patrick’s Day. It really got us involved in going out more."

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