by Steve Bradley
They say everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day. This Viking certainly was, as he brandished his sword in a not so threatening way along the parade route this past Saturday, March 16. As usual, the revelers jammed the streets in the Village, not only for the parade, but this year for a number of other celebrations, at area restaurants and with a renewed vibrance at the Hoosick Falls Armory.
A big crowd, two to three deep for much of the parade route and possibly the largest ever, came out to watch the St. Patrick’s Day parade wind its way through Hoosick Falls. The day was chilly and the breeze was a bit chillier, but not uncomfortably so. No one seemed to notice the weather.
The parade began in Wood Park, down John, Church and Main streets before returning to the park. Featuring everything from cars and fire trucks, wacky floats, people dressed to look funny and people dressed officially, bands played. Candy was flying from the floats and kids were jumping up and down with glee picking it up. It was just good old fashioned fun for participants in the parade and spectators viewing it.
St. Patrick’s Day Parade. All Photos by Steve Bradley
After the parade, people scattered throughout the village. The Armory, back as the center of post-parade events after a several year hiatus, had a standing room only crowd that enjoyed music, food, dancing, bagpipes and visiting – lots of visiting. People saw old and new friends, kids danced or bounced in the bouncy-bounce and babies were oohed and aahed by friends and family.
The Village watering holes were busy serving food and drink and were filled to capacity. All had bands and every venue had music, if you didn’t care for the music where you were, you could go somewhere else for something different.
Sarah Lyn Gorgas of Hoosick Falls won a $400 share of the $800 50//50 Pot of Gold raffle. First place winner of the best float was FP, INC Dilly Dilly. Second place went to O’Malley’s Irish Kings and Queens and third place went to Little Sprouts.
The parade is always a fun event and this year was no different. If you have never attended the parade, the plans are already in the works for next year, and you may want to put a memo in your plans for next year too.