Hudson Valley Goes Green For St. Patrick’s Day
With St. Patrick’s day quickly approaching, the Hudson Valley has decided to showcase their Irish pride through an array of different parades stretching across the district.
A day after extreme weather conditions hit the region, cutting out power across the region, The Dutchess County St. Patrick’s Day Parade hit the streets without a hitch this past Saturday. Thousands of people lined the streets of Wappingers Falls to catch a glimpse of the Irish heritage that is intertwined within the local communities. Dressed from head-to-toe in glorious green attire, locals gathered together to cheer on the parade, catch some Tootsie Rolls, and party with those around them. For some, this form of community bonding is what attracts them to the Hudson Valley in the first place.
“This is the first time I’ve been to this parade, and I couldn’t be happier to finally make my way out here,” said Zack Pranger, a local Hyde Park resident. “There’s nothing that makes me happier than hanging out with my family and friends, listening to the blaring sounds of bag pipes.”
It wasn’t just the Irish bagpipers who spent the day giving back to the community. Many of the local firemen, police officers, school districts, and even the Easter Bunny made the experience special to anybody who had the opportunity to show up.
Looking ahead, the party will continue in Kingston, as the city is set to have their parade March 11th. Aside from the usual St. Patrick’s Day Parade festivities, Kingston will be holding a Shamrock Run, which involves running a two mile course while looking your best in a fabulous kilt. This year, Kingston will be trying to break the record for most runners in a race wearing a kilt, which is currently held by the Perth Running Goats Club out of Canada, who got 1764 people to wear their Irish pride.
For those whom are interested in signing up for the Shamrock Run, check out their website. As for any interested in the Kingston St. Patrick’s day parade, it begins at 1pm.
