By Michelle Fritz
Niagara Gazette
NIAGARA FALLS —
In Niagara Falls, nothing is bigger on St. Patrick’s Day than the World’s Shortest Parade, and this year the record-breaking parade was shorter than ever.
The parade, sponsored by the local chapter of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, started promptly at 4:45 p.m. at the intersection of Old Falls Street and Rainbow Boulevard North and was long over, it seemed by 4:46, in front of the Conference Center Niagara Falls, 101 Old Falls St.
According to Jake Dunn, a member of the Hibernians who has been involved with the parade since its beginning in the 1970s, the parade has become considerably shorter over the years.
“This year we could count it down to 37 steps,” he said. Those who blinked may have missed this legendary tradition, with members of the Hibernians marching, including President Mike McNerney, members of the Ladies of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Grand Marshall of this year’s parade Father Joseph Hubbert, City of Niagara Falls Mayor Paul Dyster, Shamrock the Leprechaun (Bill Cummings) and St. Patrick (Arnie Nagelhout) and others who decided to jump in for the final steps.
Shamrock, who has been apart of St. Patrick’s parades for many years and the world’s shortest parade for five years, said he loves the atmosphere of the parade.
“It’s like being a celebrity for one day out of the year,” he said.
A party in the conference center started immediately after the parade with plenty of Irish beer, food and entertainment by the band the Blarney Bunch and dancers from McCarthy’s School of Irish Dance.
The conference center was filled with many who have continued to make the annual celebration a tradition and others coming out for the first time.
Liz Canada said she has been coming with her family for at least 25 years. She said this party has always been her favorite part of the holiday because, “it’s a combination of a family and high school reunion.”
Other guests agreed that they love making this party a tradition in their festivities. Terry Camann said, “it’s great to get together with all of your friends you haven’t seen in a while.”
Non-perishable food items were collected and donated to the Heart & Soul Food Pantry. The proceeds from the party helped benefit Niagara Catholic High School, as the Ancient Order of Hibernians sponsors four students to attend Niagara Catholic through their scholarship program. Amanda Martineau was presented as a scholarship winner at the beginning of the party.
