The first sign of spring is the annual Queens St. Patrick’s Day Parade hosted each year by the Rockaways. Thousands lined the line of march. The festivities got underway with a morning Mass for peace in Ireland at St. Francis de Sales Church, Belle Harbor. Father Brian Dowd was the main celebrant and homilist.
Michael Benn is the president of the parade committee. Steve Cassidy, president of the Uniformed Firefighters Association of New York, served as Grand Marshal.