by Bea Peterson
The temperature was only 30 degrees on Saturday, March 16, for the St. Patrick’s Day festivities in Hoosick Falls. That was at least 30 degrees cooler than it was a year ago. Since temperatures for March vary from year to year, folks just dressed warmer. Musicians, however, had a difficult time, with freezing cold, red fingers as they played fifes and bagpipes.
[private]A large crowd gathered in Wood Park before the parade started to hear HFCS Board President Greg Laurin commend the nine sports teams for their fantastic seasons and for the fact that all nine teams were Scholar Athlete teams. This year’s parade recognized the students and their efforts.
Also celebrated was the school’s Drama Club and Performance Band. The Drama Club is performing “Beauty and the Beast” this weekend.
A good-sized crowd lined the streets to watch teams, floats, fire trucks and seven bands parade through the Village. Float winners were: First – St. Mary’s Academy, Second – O’Malley Family Float, Third – Hoosick Falls Football.
Much of the large crowd stopped in the Armory to hear the JP Murphy Band, more pipes and drums and see Celtic dancers perform. Area clubs and eateries had capacity crowds wanting to enjoy corned beef sandwiches. The Sand Bar had its usual large crowd for their Celtic games.
All in all, it was a great day for the Village when everyone is Irish in honor of St. Patrick. Winner of the 50/50 was Jim Monahan.
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