Parade Requires Work of Many

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William Lee first experienced the Rockland County St. Patrick's Day Parade as an observer standing along Middletown Road shortly after moving to Pearl River 17 years ago.

"I thought it was amazing that this happens," Lee said. "This little town handles this event."

Now in his fourth year as co-chairman of the organizing committee, along with Mary O'Sullivan, Lee still marvels at the efforts of so many people to make the second-largest parade in the state of New York a reality each year.

"You can never thank these people enough," Lee said. "So many people do so much. The foundation that makes us able to do this over and over again is the partnership between the town as a whole and the AOH. Without that, it doesn't happen."

"There is always so much cooperation," O'Sullivan said. "The town and all of the organizations in town. The police department. They get cooperation from other police departments. It is a spirit of cooperation."

What does happen is a parade that could draw as 50,000 observers or more to Pearl River by the time it starts heading up Crooked Hill Road 1:30 p.m. Sunday. The parade is in its 50th year, which is one reason the crowd could be even larger than normal.

"There seems to be a little more buzz," said Vince Tyer, president of the Rockland County AOH. "There is always a buzz, but there is something different about this one. A little more ceremony."

The parade will include as many of the 49 past grand marshals as are able to join, as well as the families of others. The 50th grand marshal, Ray Sheridan, Jr., is the son of parade founder Ray Sheridan, Sr., 

The participation of newly elevated Cardinal Timothy Dolan is also an added attraction, though Lee said they would not know until the parade starts if Dolan will be watching, riding or marching. 

"That component will draw in a significant number of additional people," Lee said. "Our new Cardinal is there. It would be nice to see him. I think we will get that kind of boost."

That said, the real deciding factor is the weather. The National Weather Service forecast as of late Monday night was calling for sun and a high near 64 degrees for Sunday. Weather not only brings people out for the parade, it keeps them in town, with lawn parties all through the community. 

"Anything above 60 and sunny, it's insanity," Lee said. "Last year we had great weather. It's a really big deal. The weather is a major factor."

Keeping It Safe and Fun

Lee acknowledged that it is nearly impossible to remember to acknowledge everybody involved, but he made the attempt, starting with the Orangetown Police Department. 

"We owe them," Lee said. "The parade committee and the AOH cannot thank them enough. It doesn't work without the police department. It is a herculean effort on their part."

The Orangetown Police coordinate the efforts of fire departments and ambulance corps from Pearl River and around the county and draw support from other police departments in Rockland. 

"We have police and ambulances from all over the county," Lee said. "They offer services to assist and make sure it's safe. We have the fire department to thank (as well). They station themselves so they don't have to cross the parade route.

"You're looking at about 100,000 people in the town that day and it's managed so well. I've never heard anybody say, 'I didn't feel safe."

The Orangetown Highway Department also plays a major role, particularly in the set-up and clean up. Lee said the Orangetown Town Council has been very supportive, as have the residents of Pearl River. 

"Everybody just deals with it," Lee said. "We also recognize the sacrifice the residents make to allow us to take over the town in the middle of a Sunday. Sure, they come out and enjoy it, but without them, it doesn't happen, either."

Tyer pointed out the work of the committee itself.

"Bill and Mary and the parade committee have it all worked down to a science," Tyer said.