by Bea Peterson
Everyone was wearing green on Saturday as hundreds lined the streets of Hoosick Falls for the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade. The weather was ideal – warm for March under a glorious blue sky. The parade had a good selection of floats, bands and fire trucks.
It was spectacular. NYS Senator Roy McDonald and his wife marched alongside Rensselaer County District Attorney Rich McNally. Democratic Congressional candidate for the 21st District Scott Murphy marched and shook hands with lots of folks along the route. There was plenty of candy thrown from floats for all the kids.
After the parade, celebrators filled the armory for music, food and dancing. Many folks partook of the Celtic games at the Sand Bar or visited the pubs throughout the Village. Families enjoyed the day walking from site to site. For most it was a day of good fun.
For some there was a little too much celebrating. Police Chief Robert Whalen said they made 11 arrests due to loitering, fights and disorderly conduct. One aggressive person had to be tazed. Although there was a bus to take folks from place to place and rides home were available, two people were arrested for DWI. Another person was arrested for DWI on St. Patrick’s Day itself, March 17.
The beautiful weather and the great celebration brought people from many nearby states.
