Observers lined Washington Street last weekend to cheer on pipers, politicians and publicans who marched down the long green line from 14th Street to City Hall as part of the early St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Despite a few intermittent snowflakes midway through, the cold but clear weather held as "The Rising of the Moon" and "Danny Boy" echoed amidst the historic brownstones.
All along the parade route, crowds of onlookers, many dressed in green and some wearing funny hats or Aran sweaters to fend off the chill, applauded for their favorite tunes and cheered local politicians and school groups, including ones from Hoboken and Weehawken.
There were special cheers as the mile-square city honored Grand Marshal Joan Smith Cunning, Irish Man of the Year Edward Madigan, and Irish Woman of the Year Sister Rita McCarthy.
The tradition of the parade goes back to a time when the Irish in this country celebrated their arrival as members of American society after years of discrimination. Today, this American tradition is a civic celebration that welcomes the participation of every ethnic and racial group. Indeed, everyone was "Irish" for the day, and as in past years, the crowd had a great time.
Proposing
The parade even featured a romantic moment this year.
At one point, to the surprise and cheers of the crowd, the parade came to a sudden halt. State Trooper Joe Brennan, marching as a member of the State Police Pipe and Drums of the Blue and Gold, fell out of rank in front of East L.A. restaurant and drew Jamie Gnoinski, his girlfriend of five years, out into the street.
Brennan then dropped to one knee and proposed. Of course, she said yes.
Speaking after the parade, Brennan explained that he decided to surprise her in this way in part because they had met in Hoboken. Said Brennan, "I just thought it’d be a good idea. We always watched the parade from that spot, and she’s been so great about coming around to watch us perform."
After the parade, many dispersed into local establishments to continue the celebrations. Lines formed, and bar owners worked hard to keep their numbers below legal capacity. Most residents and bar staff agreed that this year’s atmosphere was a bit more controlled than in past years.
To see more images of Hoboken’s parade, go to www.hudsoncurrent.com and click on The Back Page section of the March 6 edition.
Parade season continues in the area in Jersey City on March 9, Kearny on March 16, New York City on March 17, and Bayonne on March 23.