New Hyde Park Mayor Christopher Devane would have preferred a hot, sunny Saturday for the village’s first St. Patrick’s Day parade, but doesn’t have any complaints about the overcast weather.
“It typifies the weather you have in Ireland, that’s for sure,” Devane said laughingly to Blank Slate Media. “It was the first one we’ll talk about for a while, especially the weather.”
On Saturday, the village and New Hyde Park Fire Department put on New Hyde Park’s inaugural St. Patrick’s Day parade, traveling east on Jericho Turnpike before ending at the firehouse at 1555 Jericho.
“The Fire Department went absolutely above and beyond,” Devane, who is a volunteer firefighter, said. “Saturday’s celebration and coordination would not have been possible in any way shape or form without their full support.”
Since being elected last year, Devane said he and his administration have made it a point to make the village more inclusive and embrace as many cultures as possible. Last July, the village held its first All Around the World Multicultural Night. In November, a Diwali festival of lights celebration was held.
Devane said that earlier plans to celebrate Chinese New Year were canceled due to COVID-19, and that some Italian-American residents have asked the village to consider a Columbus Day parade in October.
Devane said he was so impressed and proud to see residents committing to the St. Patrick’s Day parade, dressing up and trying new foods such as corned beef and cabbage, which was served at the firehouse.
“Food is a great way to bring people together and break barriers down,” Devane said. “It’s all about bringing this neighborhood and community together. That’s what we’re trying to do.”
Another aspect of the parade was honoring first responders, something Devane, the son of a New York City police officer of Irish descent, said was a natural extension of his upbringing. Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder was the grand marshal for the event, and Devane said he is a perfect role model for the community.
Organizations that joined the parade included 17 fire departments, the American Legion, Little League, Boy and Girl Scouts, among many others. Devane said he’s extremely proud of the precedent set with the inaugural parade and looks forward to building upon it for years to come.
The second New Hyde Park St. Patrick’s Day parade is slated for Saturday, March 11, 2023.
“It was a great, great day,” Devane said. “We’re going to build upon this and make an event the residents can be proud of.”
