LI St. Patrick's Day parade marks 62 years

Kailey Roarty, 4, danced to the music wearing a green Hello Kitty T-shirt and a sparkly tutu of the same color but with lime highlights.

Of the 88 groups to stroll or roll before her in the Miller Place-Rocky Point St. Patrick's Day parade, Kailey's favorite was a tropical fish store's parade truck that featured a live "mermaid" in a giant aquarium tank.

"We come here every year," her mom, Kerri Roarty, said. The family also hits its hometown parade in Brentwood, plus marches in East Islip and Bay Shore.

"This one is good for the kids," she said. "They have a lot more visuals."

In its 62nd year, the Miller Place-Rocky Point parade is said to be the largest on Long Island and the second oldest. It was among several St. Patrick's Day parades across Long Island, including the popular Huntington march.

The Miller Place-Rocky Point event featured school groups, marching bands, politicians, classic car enthusiasts, businesses and other organizations. They gathered just before 1 p.m. Sunday to start the 2.5-mile march that runs along Route 25A through Miller Place, Sound Beach and Rocky Point.

"People look forward to this like a rite of spring," parade chairman Walter Colleran said.

More than 2,500 people participated in the parade and Colleran said he expected a crowd of 40,000 to 45,000 people.

"It's not a parade anymore," he said. "It's an event."

Near the start of the parade route, Bill Dollard and his friends pitched an almond-colored shade canopy that stretched to the street. They had coolers of food and drink for about 20 to 25 friends.

The awning was more necessary in past years when the group would brave snow and rain. "We're like the postmen -- rain, sleet or snow," said the Setauket resident.

Greg Brown, of Port Jefferson Station, said the parade is a favorite time. "This is the best day of my year," he said.