By Melanie Lekocevic
Capital Region Independent Media
EAST DURHAM — There was plenty of green to be seen in East Durham on Sunday as the community turned out in droves for the first St. Patrick’s Day parade in the town in over 30 years.
Hundreds lined the parade route and cars packed local roads prior to the start of the parade. As marchers stepped off the weather was sunny and ideal but soon gray clouds moved in, a brisk wind picked up and light rain drops began to fall.
But the rapidly cooling weather couldn’t dampen spirits and everyone cheered on the marchers as they made their way from the Michael J. Quill Irish Cultural and Sports Centre and headed down Route 145.
“This is awesome,” said Bridget McShane, who was visiting the area from New York City. “I used to come up to Durham in the summer when I was a kid and it’s great to be back and see the parade.”
It took nearly an hour for all marchers to make their way out of the staging area, with the Cairo-Durham High School marching band, Irish step dancers, law enforcement, fire trucks, Irish-themed floats and, of course, the requisite bagpipe players participating in the parade. U.S. Rep. Marc Molinaro, R-19, state Sen. Michelle Hinchey, D-41, and Assemblyman Chris Tague, R-102, also marched in the parade, Hinchey cradling her dog and Tague with an Irish scarf draped around his neck.
Even “St. Patrick” made an appearance.
The grand marshal for the parade’s grand return to East Durham after a 32-year absence was Neil Kellegher.
Kevin Lauth is a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and said it was gratifying to see such a large turnout to welcome the parade back to Durham.
“It feels great to see so many people here,” Lauth said.
The parade made its way down Route 145, ending at Five Furlongs, where the American and Irish national anthems were played. Irish and U.S. flags also lined the parade route and were mounted on most floats.
Awards were handed out after the parade’s conclusion.
St. Patrick’s Day is held every March 17 in honor of the patron saint of Ireland.
Here are more images from Sunday’s parade: