In our little hamlet of Sunnyside, the best St. Patrick's Day parade takes place always on the first weekend in March. What makes the parade special in a neighborhood traditionally known for its Irish immigrant population is that this was created to include members of the gay and lesbian community who were prohibited from marching in the NYC St. Patty's parade in Manhattan. That was 13 years ago, and the parade is still going strong. We've been in past years when the weather was worse and the crowds a bit thinner, but this year was great. The day was cool but pleasant and the neighborhood really turned out. It was great to see so many friends and families lining the route. We started the parade cheering behind the barricades at 47th and Skillman, but after the encouragement of a parade organizer, we opted to "march" along with the merrymakers up to the top of the hill. It's that kind of event--one where truly everyone is encouraged to join in the fun. So Elisa walked beside Leonardo as Carmen and I blended into the "Ethical Humanist Society" (hope they didn't mind!) and away we went. The kids loved it and that way, we got to see all our friends who turned out for the day. By the time we made it in front of La Marjolaine Bakery, I was ready to hang out and the kids enjoyed dancing to all the different kinds of music. The South American dancers (from Peru, I think) were so colorful and amazing to watch, and the Occupy movements from LIC/Astoria and Queens were fun in their own quirky way. Elisa and Leonardo were offered green beads, stickers and even chocolate by paraders and they snapped those up. It was a nice little afternoon celebrating our neighborhood and ALL the people of Irish descent who make it so unique.
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