Glen Cove’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade is always a great way to celebrate the holiday, but this year’s parade was extra special since it has been three years since the event was able to take place due to COVID-19 restrictions.

Festive music played and performers entertained spectators along the parade route, which was marked with green shamrocks and lined with hundreds of spectators who were waving and cheering on the parade marchers. Most were wearing green beads and clothing and many adorable children and pets were on hand to enjoy the festivities.

Nassau County Legislator Delia DeRiggi-Whitton is especially proud to march in the parade since it began in 1989 when her father Don DeRiggi was the mayor of Glen Cove. He started the parade in part because his wife Millie (nee Murphy) has always been proud of her Irish heritage.

“This parade is such a terrific event that everyone enjoys whether they’re Irish or not,” DeRiggi-Whitton said. “It is wonderful to see all of the marchers, entertainers and spectators who get so excited about this great Glen Cove tradition!”