Everybody’s Irish on Rockaway St. Paddy’s Day

‘Twas a grand day for the 51st Annual Queens County St. Patrick’s Day Parade. A foggy dew made Rockaway feel like Ireland on Saturday, March 7, as bagpipers, Irish dancers, local schools, first responders, honorees and more, made their way down the parade route.

The parade kicked off at Beach 130th, making its way down Newport Ave. to Rockaway Beach Blvd., with each group showing off their best work at the grandstand at Beach 105th Street. This year’s honorees included Grand Marshal Michele Cusack, honorary grand marshal John Norbury, Gael of the Year Dennis Shock and Deputy Grand Marshals Christopher Scharbach, Fr. Brendan Fitzgerald, Dr. Judy McLaughlin, Peter McMahon, Casey Anne Brouder, Anne Forde, David Stimus, Patrick Donlin, Joseph Ronda, Mary Beth Bertolini, John Schilling, Jay Burke, Owen Loof, Alice Edwards and Dr. Jameela Yussuf.

Congratulations to Queens County Parade President Mike Benn and his committee for bringing it all together!

Photos by Mark Eidinger, Dan Guarino, Katie McFadden and Kathy Nisolosi.