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- Borough President Melinda Katz congratulates parade Grand Marshal Steve Cassidy, president of the Uniformed Firefighters Association. Photo Courtesy of Borough President Katz’s Office.
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- Sen. Joe Addabbo, Jr. (D-Howard Beach), joined by Community Board 10 Chairwoman Betty Braton, waves at the crowd. Photo Courtesy of Sen. Addabbo’s Office.
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- City Councilman Eric Ulrich (R-Ozone Park) last weekend presented Mike Benn (l.), president of the Queens County St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, and Honorary Grand Marshal John Dunleavy, with Council Proclamations at the Knights of Columbus in Rockaway. Photo Courtesy of Councilman Ulrich’s Office.
Thousands of revelers last weekend descended on Newport Avenue in Rockaway Beach to celebrate the 40th annual Queens County St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
The popular, long-standing borough tradition began Saturday morning with a mass for peace and justice in Ireland at St. Francis de Sales Church, followed by the Parade Brunch at the Knights of Columbus hall on Beach 90th Street.
While this year’s parade featured Uniformed Firefighters Association President Steve Cassidy as Grand Marshal, and honored U.S. Rep. Joe Crowley (D-Queens and Bronx) as Gael of the Year, it could not escape controversy.
Mayor Bill de Blasio angered many Rockaway residents when he arrived late to the festivities, joining the procession at Beach 116th Street and missing half of the parade’s route, according to a New York Post report. De Blasio, who was greeted by boos and chants of “Worst mayor ever!” blamed his tardiness on a meeting at Gracie Mansion that ran late.
This isn’t the first time hizzoner has riled Rockaway with his lateness. De Blasio missed part of the Flight 587 memorial ceremony last November, blaming it on a bad-night’s sleep.
By Michael V. Cusenza
