One Down (Actually Two)

When we knew we were moving to NYC, Chizz and I thought of all the things we wanted to do when we got here. Sure there are all the usual touristy things, the Statue of Liberty, Ellis Island, Empire State Building etc. But truthfully, we had already done most of those things over the years when we visited during school trips, family vacations, business trips. We were looking forward to doing some of the things that are easier to do when you live here. And one of those things happend recently, the St. Patrick's Day Parade. Being Irish, I couldn't wait to go. And liking beer, Bruce didn't object.

It was a beautiful day in New York. Hardly a cloud in the sky and it was 70 degrees at 11:00 in the morning. Perfect day for a parade. Most of the parades in New York seem to be on the east side. This one was no exception but it was right across the park from us on Park Avenue. We had heard the parade would go down Fifth Avenue to 86th Street and the best place to watch the parade would be one of the streets close to the Metropolitan Museum. We got there about 10 minutes before the parade started, knowing it would take some time to wander the forty some odd blocks to 86th Street. It gave us time to find the PERFECT spot and absorb a little atmosphere. We saw people dresssed in every shade of green (and some orange, which I found a bit strange - look it up people!). There were the obligatory "pretty young girls posing with NY cop scenes". I have never seen a cop turn down one of these requests. And everyone seems to

be in a good mood. We had heard that things can get kind of ugly at the parade, with quite a few people using it as an opportunity to get incredibly drunk and an excuse to do something incredibly stupid. We didn't see any of that. This year the parade seemed to consist mainly of marching bands, military groups, and members of different Irish counties or organizations. Our original watching spot was right underneath the Irish American Cultural Society. They were obviously having some kind of reception, people were milling around on balconies wine glasses in hand. That would be nice (note to self). Quite a few of the bands, marching groups saluted or waved up to them as they went by. The one guy in the sash who looks VERY Irish was there pretty much the entire time, waiving to the bands, the crowd. We thought it was a pretty good spot, until it wasn't. I overheard one of the band members ask a pol

ice officer "How much further?" The police office shrugged his shoulders and said he wasn't sure, "they keep changing it". What??? Apparently the parade route is flexible. Based on the age of some of the members of various veterans groups marching, perhaps that might be a good idea. But since we were at about 81st street and the parade was scheduled for five more blocks AND we were in front of the Irish American Cultural Society we were golden. Until we weren't. All of the sudden, we noticed a marching band turning down at 79th street, 2 blocks before us. We speculated they might be tired and shrugged it off. Until ALL of the groups started marching down 79th street! Wow, way to disrespect the Irish American Cultural Society. We scuttled down the street a few blocks further to about 76th Street and managed to worm our way to the front and were able to see most of the rest of the parade. Actually, it turned out to be a great spot. It is where we met

Maureen, Eileen and Megan. (Hmmm wonder what nationality?). Maureen told me that she was one of 7 girls and 4 boys in their family. (Still wondering?). They were from Brooklyn and knew everyone practically in the parade, priests, kids in marching bands etc. They were hilarious and I don't think the magic liquid in their GREEN solo cups hurt one bit. In fact it was Eileen who pointed out my first celebrity sighting! Brian Williams from Rock Center, the news, 30 Rock, SNL fame. So that would the second item on my list ofthings that you can do when you live in NYC (stalking celebrities with ease). They called out his name and he waved right at them (and since I was standing next to them, I choose to believe he was waving to me! (Yes, this would be the starting point of my mental illness that you can testify to later.) But I am attaching a photo! You be the judge.

The parade seemed to consist mainly of military units, marching bands, high school bands and representatives from some of the larger counties of Ireland. I noticed several differences from other parades I have been to. First, it seems like every high school, every military unit, every police or

firefighter group has a bagpipe unit in their marching band. Every single one. We heard more bagpipes today than I thought humanly possible. Not sure if this is a regional difference or if it was just for this parade but I am thinking it might be difficult to drum up (hahahaha) this many bagpipers on the west coast. Secondly, I am not sure if it was due to 9/11 or if

it has always been this way, but New Yorkers sure do cheer their public servants (i.e. the police, firefighters and military). When anyone of these groups walked by, the applause and cheering was much louder and longer than any other band or group, or even Brian Williams. Gasp! Lastly I am a sucker for marching band music, especially patriotic in nature. I spent most of the afternoon, dabbing away all of my mascara. I got teary at Anchors Away, the Marines Fight song, God Bless America, all of them. Before you know, I will be crying at hockey games. Oh wait, I already do.

I am closing with other photos of the sights of the parade while I go figure out where Tina Fey lives. Enjoy but send bail money!