WAPPINGERS FALLS — Thousands of people lined the streets Saturday for the 31st annual Dutchess County St. Patrick’s Parade, bringing bagpipes, music and Irish pride to the heart of the village.
Dutchess County Sheriff Kirk Imperati led the procession, joined by elected officials, local fire departments, veterans groups and community organizations. The marchers made their way through the village, cheered on by crowds from the sidewalks and storefronts.
Former Grand Marshal Bill Beale served as emcee for the day’s festivities, introducing this year’s Grand Marshal, Marist University President Emeritus Dr. Dennis Murray.
Beale paused the parade to recognize James “Jim” Barnett, longtime leader of the Maybrook Troop 236 Scout Band and 31-year participant in the parade. Although retired, Barnett continues to participate in the parade, keeping its musical tradition alive. Beale and others presented Barnett with a plaque to honor his decades of dedication before the band resumed its march.
The parade lasted about two hours, during which several village roads were closed to traffic.
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