WAPPINGERS FALLS – Thousands of people converged on the Village of Wappingers Falls on Saturday for the 27th annual Dutchess County St. Patrick’s parade. It is one of the first public gatherings since COVID restrictions have been relaxed.
The 2022 parade Grand Marshall is Joseph Corrigan, as chosen by the parade committee. The parade, similar to the recent parade in Pawling, is dedicated to the late Dutchess County Sheriff Butch Anderson.
Crowds of people lined Route 9D through the village to see elected officials, community groups, pipe and drum corps and fire departments including Wappingers Falls, New Hanmburg, Chelsea, Arlington, and New Hackensack.
The parade stepped off at 1:00 p.m. along West Main Street (Route 9D) and the participants were immediately greeted by crowds of cheering people, many adorned in green clothing or accessories. “I’ve never seen crowds like this at the beginning of the route,” said one firefighter as he prepared to march. “We are used to seeing a large crowd once we make the turn down by the creek – this is amazing,” he added.
Radio personality and Town of Wappinger Councilman Bill Beale emceed the event from the grandstand, accompanied by his father, former County Legislator John Beale.
“It’s so nice to be out celebrating with people again,” said Samantha Cox of Fishkill. “COVID was a problem last year and this parade is a sign that things are returning to normal.”
The Hudson Valley Regional Police Pipes and Drums marched in the parade and also entertained guests visiting the Wappingers Falls Fire Department after the parade. The video is below.
