Kingstonians brave cold for 30th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade

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KINGSTON – Cold weather did not deter thousands of spectators from watching the 30th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Kingston on Sunday. Brisk weather topped off at 28 degrees, accompanied by wind gusts reaching 12 mph, combining into the chilliest outdoor event in recent memory.
Hats and gloves were in order, especially for the several thousand Shamrock runners who traditionally sprint the two-mile parade route down Broadway, before the actual marching bands, floats, and dignitaries take the street.
Many spectators hunkered down with layers of blankets, to insulate against
the biting frost. Others sat in the warmth of their parked vehicles and
observed the festivities from the roadside. The turnout was lower than
previous years dues to the frigid conditions.

Just keeping warm was the challenge for this family

The marchers didn’t have the luxury of blankets on a
frigid Sunday

Hudson Valley communities are preparing for a late winter storm on Tuesday, which threatens to dump a couple of feet of snow on the region, before finally melting with the springtime thaw. Groundhog Punxsutawney, Phil was accurate last month, when predicting a long winter.
Congressman John Faso, who marched in the parade, said it was great to be in Kingston, despite the weather.
“It’s a wonderfully warm spirited day, even though the temperature says it’s cold,” Faso observed. “The crowd is friendly, and they’re a little bit chilly but happy it’s St. Paddy’s Day, and they’re looking forward to spring.”  
A bipartisan group of county legislators, Ken Ronk, Carl Belfiglio, and Hector Rodriguez were also spotted marching, along with Kingston Mayor Steven Noble and family, barely recognizable bundled up with winter head gear.
Parade dignitaries were all smiles as they waved to the crowd, including Grand Marshall Bill Murphy and Mayor for the Say Bill Fitzgerald, who marched with fellow Hibernians. Irish Princess Mykelty Elizabeth Benson, 15, from Ellenville, rode in a convertible. 




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