Hundreds turn out for Glen Cove parade

Glen Cove residents donning green beads, hats and face paint Sunday afternoon didn’t seem to care that St. Patrick’s Day already passed.

Hundreds lined the city’s streets as a stream of firefighters, police officers, bands and civic organizations marched through downtown during the 23rd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

“We missed the parade in the city and we love to celebrate," said spectator Gayle Deavarsa, of Sea Cliff. “It's an all-year-long celebration but it's nice to have the extension."

Leading the parade was Andrew Stafford, an Ireland native and a former chairman of the parade.

“What we tried to do over the years is get as much people in it as possible," he said.

The Glen Cove parade committee has been planning the parade since July and spent nearly $40,000 making it happen, Stafford said. The parade procession included hundreds of residents, some in strollers, some marching and others riding in classic cars, monster trucks and emergency vehicles.

Glen Cove Mayor Ralph Suozzi was also in the procession along with his family. This is not his first Glen Cove St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Suozzi grew up in the north shore city and his family has been leading Glen Cove for decades.

“It is one of most fun celebrations we have all year long," he said. "I have always been someone watching it. I think you'll see not only Irish eyes smiling, but everybody's smiling."

Hundreds lined the city’s streets as a stream of firefighters, police officers, bands and civic organizations marched through downtown during the 23rd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. (March 20, 2011)