Virginia's Long Island

Saturday, March 19, 2011

Virginia's Long Island: 250th Annual New York City Saint Patrick's Day Par...

Virginia's Long Island: 250th Annual New York City Saint Patrick's Day Par...: "We arrived by cab at Columbus Circle and made our way toward 5th Avenue. I wanted to get up to around 66th and 5th to avoid the crowds..."

250th Annual New York City Saint Patrick's Day Parade

We arrived by cab at Columbus Circle and made our way toward 5th Avenue. I wanted to get up to around 66th and 5th to avoid the crowds and get better pictures. We walked through throngs of humanity - young and old. The vibe was electric.

In order to get past the uptown reviewing stand we cut through the Central Park Zoo area. We have never been and it was a little magical jewel tucked away in the Park. (That's me back there in the shadows.)

These guys were great! The Handsome Jazz Ensemble was playing a free gig in the park.

The first band we saw was all Galician Ladies playing Bagpipes wearing all black and very imposing. I was very impressed as they went by playing "God Bless America".

When we made it past the crowds I got myself in a good spot for pictures. This was a great band from Wisconsin.

I am very proud to have been raised in the O'Hara household! I studied History with a bend toward Irish History in college. I have been to this parade many times and have even walked in the parade once while in college.

A shout out to a great Fife and Drum Band from Westchester County, NY. I believe it was Carmel, NY. I lived in Westchester County until 16 years ago when I settled on Long Island.

Above are the Derry folks with their controversial banner.

Lovely young ladies! So festive!

Flags honoring the New York Fire Department who lost their lives so bravely on September 11, 2001. So somber and impressive. The flags went on and on.

The United States Navy carrying the flags of the States of the USA! This was so awesome.

United States Air Force - I love a man in uniform :).

The Irish American Society

The Suffolk County Police Pipers. I love the Pipes and I love Suffolk County!

A great band from Connetquot High School - Long Island, NY!

And, my Alma Mater - Fordham University, Bronx, NY ! A proud moment of this 250th annual NYC parade was knowing that the Grand Marshall - Mary Higgins Clarke - was a fellow Fordham Alumni.

I was yelling my head off! It brings me back to my youth when I walked with them. If you want to study Irish History, Fordham University is a great place for it.

These flags were representing the Port Authority Officers who fell in the line of duty on September 11, 2001. This was heart wrenching.

Andrew and I were glad to have made a great decision to spend a few hours soaking up the grandeur and excellence of New York City.

I will be posting tomorrow showing my favorite faces of the day, and a separate post about the rest of the day out and about on St. Patrick's Day 2011. Check for it tomorrow! May the Luck and Love of the Irish be with You!

If you see this and want me to email a picture - send request to freedom075@aol.com - I took 275 pictures!

Sunday, March 13, 2011

Virginia's Long Island: Miller Place - Rocky Point St. Patrick's Day Parad...

Virginia's Long Island: Miller Place - Rocky Point St. Patrick's Day Parad...: "I have lived on Long Island for 16 years and have to admit that I have never attended this epic parade. Andrew and I had planned to g..."

Miller Place - Rocky Point St. Patrick's Day Parade 2011

I have lived on Long Island for 16 years and have to admit that I have never attended this epic parade. Andrew and I had planned to get to the Waldbaum's parking lot at 12:45 to check out this spectacle. We miscalculated and could not get past the outskirts of Rocky Point. We parked at McCarricks - bought a beverage and walked to downtown Rocky Point. This was the place to be! The party had started at the Oxygen Bar and many, many wonderful people had set up their seats and private party-tents along the route.

The first quote I heard from parade goers was "I smell Leprechans!" from a 6 year old visiting with his parents! I love it!

This is my favorite picture! The girl with the chicken - she was so good with the children! I love Long Island!

I had a moment (actually 2 hours - we were at the parade's end) to wait so I stopped into Tilda's Bake Shop for a bagel and a Diet Coke. They have wonderful pastries and breads. They have an incredible reputation for their baked goods. No one I know has ever been disappointed at Tilda's.

Back out to the parade site and I was entertained by the dogs and their owners! This parade is a dog paradise!

We walked down to Saint Anthony of Padua's to check out the review stand. These are the McCarrick Brothers - MCs of the Parade!

We were getting excited for the parade! The Oxygen Bar and the grand stand were providing us with great music - dance music and old school Irish music!