Today was the First Annual St. Patricks Day Parade. It was put together by Jim Donovan in memory of his father Thomas G. Donovan who recently passed away.
The forecast called for heavy rains and increasing winds but despite that forecast a hundred or so people came down to march in the parade to march down Gerritsen Avenue. The weather was so bad everyone was drenched, hats were blowing away, flags were like parachutes blowing the flag bearers in every which direction. Everyone gathered after at the Hibernians where there was a good spread of Corned Beef, Cabbage, and Desserts.
The parade this year had to be held this year on the sidewalk only because the city is not issuing any new permits for parades and existing parades have to be cut by 25%. However, the 61st Precinct was kind enough to cooperate with the parade organizers to allow them to march on the sidewalk. They were also kind enough to provide an escort and assist in street crossings (maybe to make sure the parade didn’t stray onto the street) .
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It was a great party!! I'm sure "Himself" was smiling on the other side !!
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Hail to the Donovan's, for the 1st annual Gerritsen Beach St. Patick's Day Parade! Congratulations to Jim Donovan for his perseverance; and the Mayor's office should commend Sgt. Mike Doyle, Community Affairs Officer from the 61st Precinct, for his understanding of our community and his handling of a delicate matter. The die-hard marchers made their way in an orderly procession in the storm, from Resurrection parking lot along the Gerritsen Beach (and 61st Precinct) sidewalk to the AOH. It was a family celebration, including children, Irish dancers and a visit from Senator Marty Golden and Pastor Father Farrell. I'll leave more detailed comments about the award wining dancers to those more familiar with the lovely young ladies. Must add, it was great to spend time with fellow classmate from Resurrection, Jackie Barlow. He, and two other classmates and I used to play hooky to attend the St. Patrick's Day parade in Manhattan, way back when….
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It was an honor to participate in this wonderful event. A St. Patrick's parade in the Beach was long overdue and to have it named after Mr. Donovan was appropriate. Most of the Gerritsen Beach Marching Band knew Mr. Donovan and we have memories that will last a lifetime. Mr. Donovan and his family have been a great help to our band, their guidance and assistance cannot be measured in words. It was a great parade and I bet Mr. Donovan was smiling down on us, (probably laughing about the weather). Can't wait for next year.
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Can someone please tell me why the First Annual St. Patrick's day Parade in Gerrittsen Beach had to be held on the sidewalk, apparently due to new parade permit regulations, but yet just a day later I had to sit in my car near P.S. 222 and wait patiently while an extremely large contingent of Orthodox Jewish revelers paraded along East 34th Street, following behind a large decorated vehicle and some other type of parade float while the NYPD blocked off the streets while they marched on through the neighborhood. There wouldn't be some type of double standard at work here, would there?? Perhaps one of our local politicians who still has a spine could look into this matter and make sure that "all" members of the community can celebrate their heritage equally under the law.
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I assure you the politicians in our area were very helpful in making our event happen. Due to the lack of time we had to prepare, we could not get a permit in time, plus the Mayors new regulations that are in effect. The parade you watched in front of PS 222 probably had a permit in place long ago. A thank you goes out to the NYPD for all the help they gave in making this parade a success even though it was on the sidewalk, we still had a blast. Thank you to everyone who participated and had the guts to march in one of the worst storms we've had in a long time. Thank you from the bottom of our hearts.
The Donovan family
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I was honored to march in a blizzard for my Irish heritage, and for a man I so loved as a father figure, Tom Donovan. He will forever be in my heart, and I can hear his voice in my daily life choices. He was so much a part of my upbringing since I was 12 years old. He is and always will be a strong influence in my life. I for one will march on in his honor any day, in any weather, for as long as I can. Carol
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"Perhaps one of our local politicians who still has a spine……" Who would that be?
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Well, what a day. I have to say we have some the nuttiest friends and family I think of anyone out there. We marched through a hurricane, trees fell, street signs rumbled in the wind, waves were crashing onto the ave but it did not stop us from remembering a man that would have been standing right next to us through all of it. Maybe he was, in fact I know he was. I know this because we were all laughing and having a great time in nature's wrath… Does anyone remember St Patrick's Day in Hunter Mountain when we were all freezing? Thanks to everyone for the kind words, he was a good man and will always be remembered.
Thank you,
The Donovan's
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Jim,
Could you post a pic. of your Dad? Thanks, Janet
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Bitter, party of one, your table is ready.
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JUICY PLUMB, GOOD ONE! Bitter & classless was the last post.
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Get a life! know wonder your name is Daanotme! your probably no in fact you can't be from the beach your probably a transplant. You have no idea
what you are talking about. Mr. Donovan was a huge part of our community.
So they didn't get a permit in time big deal. by the way if someone tripped and fell who would they sue? Please you must be oh ……… they are the first ones to think of that so don't bother us about our parade and don't bother to come out next year and watch our parade you might just trip and fall!
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