GOSHEN- The 47th annual Mid-Hudson St. Patrick’s Parade will step off at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 10th led by this year’s Grand Marshall Unateresa Gromley of Greenwood Lake. The annual event is once again expected to draw thousands from the region with more than 15 bands and dozens of community groups slated to participate.
Gromley said she is dedicating her march to her late parents.
“The honor that is bestowed on me is probably the biggest honor of my life, to be selected for this,” she said. “I never thought in a million years I would be picked because there are so many other great people out there, but it has really touched my heart.”
Gormley, a first-generation Irish American, is the owner of the Sheahan-Gromley School of Irish Dance in Warwick. Reflecting on the challenges of owning and running a small business, Gromley said, “There are always challenges when you start a new venture, but none too great when you have determination and dedication and the will to follow your dreams. Challenge is what makes you a stronger person, whatever the obstacles.”
A dancer herself since the age of three, Gromley won her first open championship at the age of eight, traveling to Ireland every year to dance throughout the country. Today, she enjoys sharing her love of dancing and music with her students.
Drawing on her excitement ahead of next month’s event, Gromley simply said, “We’re going to have the greatest Mid-Hudson St. Patrick’s Day parade in the world.”
