The first ever Lindenhurst Saint Patrick’s Day parade took place on Saturday, March 26th and attracted thousands of people. 

More than 60 groups marched in the parade ,including several pipe and drum bands, fire departments, youth sports teams, and town officials. Former congressman Peter King was the grand marshal, “I am amazed by the size of the crowd,” King told Newsday, “I am so proud to represent Lindenhurst”. 

The parade was organized by Dave Crowe, owner of the Belfast Gastro Pub, and Lindenhurst Village Trustee, RJ Renna. Crowe, who is from Ireland, opened the restaurant in Lindenhurst last year. Officials said they wanted the parade to celebrate Irish heritage and community pride. 

Irish flags were placed along Wellwood Avenue days leading up to the parade. Both the American Flag and Irish Flag were raised at the WWI Veterans Plaza in downtown Lindenhurst. 

Although rain had been predicted for the morning of the parade, it was sunny and warm when it kicked off at Fireman’s Park at 11 a.m. The parade route traveled west on Hartford Street, turned south on Wellwood Avenue and ended at the Lindenhurst Middle School.

A large crowd of people lined Wellwood Avenue to watch the parade. Many former Lindenhurst residents returned for the event, along with people from other towns. Lindenhurst Mayor Mike Lavorata and Suffolk County Executive Steve Bellone marched to the reviewing stand on Wellwood Avenue, where they watched the rest of the parade.

There were several colorful floats along the parade route. It also included performances from Irish step dancers and the Lindenhurst High School Marching Band.

The marchers included members of the Holy Family Ukrainian Catholic Church who held “ We Stand With Ukraine” signs and were cheered by the crowd. Several dogs who are available for adoption from the Babylon Town Animal Shelter named Floki, Popeye, and Lady, walked the parade route with a group of volunteers..

The downtown streets were bustling with people even hours after the parade ended. Officials said they plan to make the parade an annual event.