Despite the light rain and cold temperatures, Irish eyes were smiling all along Route 6 this past Sunday , March 10th for the 43rd annual Northern Westchester/Putnam County St. Patricks Day Parade. Despite the turn out of spectators being lighter than usual they more than made up for the lack of numbers with enthusiasm. Most had set up portable tents along the route and adjoining parking lots to protect themselves from the weather while others parked and watched from their car in the parking lots that lined the route.
They enjoyed several local Pipe and Dum bands along with HS bands, Twirlers and Irish step dancers all led by Local Carmel Resident and Grand Marshal Bill Dowling. Mr Dowling has been a resident of Carmel since 1971 and a member of several civic organizations, most notably the Knight of Columbus, Our Lady of the Lakes Council #6318 of which he has been a member since 1975. Mr. Dowling was accompanied by his family which included all 7 of his grandchildren. He was followed by his brother Knights of Columbus council members, several of whom carried an American Flag that had been flown over the USS Arizona Memorial in Hawaii.
After the parade the Knights of Columbus Council 6318, Our Lady of the Lakes , hosted an after party at their council hall which was attended by several hundred people who enjoyed a traditional Corned Beef & Cabbage dinner with all trimmings. The revelers were treated to traditional Irish Step Dancing from the Kelly Oster School of Irish Dance and Live Irish music.
This years parade sponsors included:
The Putnam County Savings Bank
The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick of Putnam County
Emerald Association of Putnam County
Fraternal Order of Police - Stephen P. Driscoll Memorial Lodge #704
Irish American Social Club of Yorktown
WestPut Setanta Gaelic Football Club
Knights of Columbus Our Lady of the Lakes Council #6318
The parade committee would like to thank all of the sponsors, volunteers and donors who made the event a success and they look forward to seeing everyone at next years parade on Sunday March 8, 2020. For more information on sponsoring, volunteering or making a donation for future parades visit the Northern Westchester/Putnam St Patrick Day Parade website.
Photo credit: Peter B. Carey, HamletHub Editor
HamletHub Reflects the Best in our Community. Get a daily snapshot of what is going on in town! Just type your email in the Subscribe field to the above right and click "Subscribe" for HamletHub’s daily newsletter.