This year’s Hoboken St. Patrick’s Parade didn’t disappoint. There were more than enough shamrocks to go around for the thousands of green-clad families, residents and visitors that flocked the Mile-Square City for the annual extravaganza.
"It was truly a beautiful parade," said the event’s organizer and Hoboken resident Helen Cunning Wednesday. "One of the best yet."
In a touching tribute, more than 30 Port Authority of New York and New Jersey officers led the more than a dozen bands down Washington Street. The officers carried a banner that listed the 37 Port Authority officers who lost their lives Sept. 11.
"People really appreciated the officers being there," said Cunning. "It gave the parade a dignified and respectful atmosphere and [the Port Authority officers] represented themselves with true honor and class."
The officers led more than a dozen bands and state and local dignitaries down Hoboken’s main thoroughfare. Raising the level of festivities were five of the northeast’s best bagpipe troupes, four high school bands and several fife-and-drum groups.
A hobbled Gov. James McGreevey made his way with the help of crutches the entire length of Washington Street. The governor broke his leg several months ago while walking on the beach.
He was joined by Mayor David Roberts, state Sen. Bernard Kenny (D-Hoboken) and U.S. Rep. Robert Menendez (D-13th Dist.)
The fact that an injured McGreevey decided to march in the parade did not go unnoticed by the parade’s grand marshal, Hudson County Freeholder Maurice Fitzgibbons, who let Gov. McGreevey wear the grand marshal sash during the parade.
"It shows his love for Hoboken," said Fitzgibbons Wednesday. "It also shows that he is proud to be an Irish man from Hudson County."
Fitzgibbons added that it was a true honor to serve as grand marshal of Hoboken’s St. Patrick’s Parade. "I had a great time," said Fitzgibbons. "As I have said all along this is truly the greatest honor that I have ever received. The parade is great for Hoboken. It attracts a diverse crowd of families and Hobokenites and is an outstanding way to promote the city."
Cunning would also like to thank all the volunteers that helped out with the successful parade. "The crowd was one of the biggest that we have seen is recent years," said Cunning. "Everyone gave 100 percent and it showed with a truly wonderful parade."
There were also hundreds of visitors to the city, and by 9 a.m. the next morning, a group of bar and restaurant owners had cleaning crews up and down Washington Street making sure the streets were clean.