Local Irish Come Out for Annual Greenwich Parade

GREENWICH, Conn. – The rain, wind and chilly weather couldn’t keep Greenwich residents away from their annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade Sunday afternoon.

And rain couldn’t put a damper on the Cronin Family tradition of setting up their tables full of Irish fare – soda bread, corned beef, Bailey’s and coffee – they’ve been doing it for more than 20 years.

Before the town changed the route of the parade, the Cronin Family would have their set up at their house.

Now, Paul Lucas (husband to Melora Cronin Lucas) takes a van at 3 a.m. to the corner of Havemeyer Place and Greenwich Ave to ensure that they get their spot. “It’s worth it,” Lucas said.

Though Alice Mullins might beat the Cronin family’s record – she was born only a few weeks before she came to her first parade – the very first parade 38 years ago. “The weather’s put a damper on things, but you can tell who the true Greenwich residents are because they all came out,” she said.

“It’s a family tradition,” Greenwich resident Chris Sawyer said. “We come every year.” His 11-year-old Ryan said that the rain couldn’t stop the spirit of the parade.  Younger son Justin, 10, said simply “It’s because I’m Irish.”

For Greenwich Police Officer Bill Larkin, it is an annual event. He comes if he’s working – which he is this year – and he comes with his kids when he’s not. “It’s great,” he said.

This year a new family was formed as the Westchester Brassmen went by the main stage, member Billy Hennenberry proposed to Carrie Booth, who walked speechless back in place with the flag throwers.

The vendors Sunday weren’t as enthusiastic. One, Tommy Sutcliffe, said “I don’t think a lot of people will come,” citing the rain at the start of the parade as his reason why few would come out. He said that he wasn’t expecting a big sales day.

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