Another ideal day for the Irish parade

By Roman J. Uschak, Staff Writer
Spring unofficially began on Saturday with the 32nd Annual Nutley St. Patrick’s Day Parade as thousands of young and old clustered along Franklin Avenue to watch the floats, bagpipers and marchers go by on a bright and sunny March afternoon.
“The weather has held out the last two years,” said Kevin O’Connor, the 2008 Grand Marshal and a piper with the South Park and District Pipes and Drums. “It makes a big difference for the crowd.”
Gone were the thoughts and remnants of snow from February. Green was the color of the day, supplemented by splashes of white and orange. Revelers lined up four-deep to watch the festivities in an event sponsored by the Nutley Irish American Association, one which grows larger and better attended every year.
“It’s a great community event, and this is one of the largest crowds I’ve ever seen at a parade,” said Detective Lt. Steven Rogers of the Nutley Police Department. “It seems like the entire township is celebrating.”
Vendors wheeled their carts up and down the cordoned-off avenue as they peddled wares ranging from shamrock-adorned hats and Irish flags to hot pretzels and Spongebob Squarepants balloons.
Contingents from local community and youth groups filled the street in a continuous procession, driving along in vehicles or marching behind banners while waving all the while to the well-behaved crowd.
“We’ve never had a law enforcement problem,” said Rogers, who is also a trustee of the Nutley Board of Education. “These are family events, with children, parents and grandparents, and it’s the luck of the Irish today. The sun is shining, and temperatures are up.”
It was the second straight year the parade enjoyed unusually warm weather, as last year’s temperatures reached into the 70s. This year was not quite as warm, with thermometers in the mid 50s and a slight breeze blowing, but it was still quite comfortable.
“This is perfect,” said Scott Sim, last year’s grand marshal, of the conditions.
Nutley Irish President Tom McEnery was once again pleased by the turnout as he stood outside the Knights of Columbus building on Chestnut Street, the home of the annual post-parade celebration.
“All the work is worth it,” he said of the immense planning and preparation that goes into the parade every year.

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