PORT JERVIS – Hundreds turned out in Port Jervis on Sunday afternoon to take part in the city’s fifth annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade & Blarney Blast. Plenty of glitter, green, and spirit were evident in each parade unit, which included bands, bagpipes, floats, banners and civic organizations, fire trucks, and families and individual marchers.
Large numbers of spectators, similarly sporting green attire and Irish embellishments, lined the parade route from Canal to Orange and Pike Street, and down Jersey Avenue.
Hosted by the city’s tourism board, members and organizers Maria Mann and Laura Meyer expressed their pleasure with the outcome and enjoyment of the day.
The parade was led by local police, elected officials, and Parade Grand Marshal Henry “Hank” Dunn who marched the route with his wife Nancy. Like many fellow parade attendees, Dunn’s family lineage extends back to ancestors who lived in and immigrated from Ireland.
“The Dunn Family (originally spelled Dun and meaning ‘hill’) has a motto that came from the clan in Ireland. It is, “People of the Hill Forever,” Dunn said. “Some of the Duns came from Kildare County and Hill of Ter. A lot left during the Potato Famine years of 1845 and 1850, when 800,000 died from starvation.”
He said he was “so proud to have been selected as Grand Marshal” in the parade.
Parade units included scouts, civic groups, local bands, families, fire and police delegations, military and veteran groups, and more – many decorated and adorned for lively St. Patrick’s Day salutes. Hudson Valley Regional Police Pipes and Drums, along with the Sheahan Gormley School of Irish Dance, performed during the parade and mid-street downtown afterwards.
Jim Kane, a founding member of the pipes and drums group, said he has watched Port’s event grow from its first year. He says it is one of the best he attends each year.
“It’s especially important to see young people learn about and get into their heritage, no matter what their heritage is. I wish more did this,” Kane said. “It’s great to see so many people come out to enjoy this.”
Trophies were awarded at the event’s end by DJ Matt Fuller, who was on hand with his family and also provided Irish music. Trophy winners were: Grand Marshal’s Choice: VFW Post #161, Best Marching Unit: Elks Lodge #645 Antlers, Most Irish Spirit: St. Mary’s Little Lambs, Best First Responder: Matamoras Fire Department, Best St. Patrick’s Day Float: Matamoras Fire Department.
