PORT JERVIS – The annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Barney Blast brought record crowds to the City of Port Jervis on Sunday afternoon, both in parade participation and in the volume of spirited spectators that lined the route. The parade included bagpipers, a marching band, Irish dancers, and many community, veteran, and emergency service groups, families, individuals, and even festively adorned pets.
The event was billed as a chance to bring glitter, shimmer, and green and be part of the fun. Those who attended did all of this and more. Hundreds gathered downtown following the parade and enjoyed a ‘Blarney Blast’ of entertainment.
Those who gathered post-parade were treated to the stirring sounds of the kilted Hudson Valley Regional Police Pipes and Drums, festive steps of Irish dancers in traditional costume, enthusiastic music of the festive, cleverly adorned Broome Street Band, and presentation to winners in various parade categories.
Tourism Board members Maria Mann and Parade Chairperson Laura Brookhart Meyer were among those who noticed an annual increase in attendance at the event. Mann recalls the parade starting in Port Jervis six years ago as a result of being asked why there wasn’t a St. Patrick’s Day Parade in the city. She said she and Meyer talked about it, and from there it has grown each year.
“We had fabulous weather, and the spectator crowd was huge along the entire route!” said Meyer. “Everyone on the sidewalks was dressed in green for the event. The parade is growing more and more each year, and it will continue to grow.”
The Grand Marshal of this year’s parade, Kevin Keane, said he was pleased to have been asked to serve as this year’s grand marshal. Having lived in the city and worked for the city for many years, he enjoyed being part of the parade while celebrating his Irish heritage. Keane said he has visited his family’s ancestral Irish towns and homeland, as have his children.
“It’s good to think about where you came from, and where you are now,’ Keane said.
The winners in this year’s event are:
* Grand Marshal’s Choice – Michael McCarthy Memorial Award: Girl Scout Troop 703
*Most Irish Spirit: Junior Catholic Daughters, Port Jervis
*Best Presentation: First Responders — Delaware Township Volunteer Ambulance Corp
*Best Youth Group: Antlers – Port Jervis Elks Lodge 645
*Best St. Patrick’s Day Float: Matamoras PA, Rescue – Fire Department
*Best Marching Unit: Hudson Valley Regional Police Pipes and Drums
Laura Brookhart-Meyer
