Everybody is Irish on St Patrick’s Day

Yes, it is a week early — but, at least in St Augustine, yesterday was the day when everybody is Irish; according to a report filed with Historic City News by Sherri Cunningham from the city’s second annual St Patrick’s Day parade.

Cunningham co-owns Ann O’Malley’s Irish Pub on Orange Street and was one of the driving forces behind a parade to celebrate our Irish heritage.

Albert Syeles and his group, known as “Romanza”, together with sponsor Meehan’s Irish Pub, presented their St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Celtic Music Festival Saturday and today.

Over 700 participated in the parade Saturday; presenting over 50 floats and marching units that included a green-haired chair of the board of county commissioners, Mark Miner, the city’s mayor, Joe Boles, boasting a green-derby and city commissioner Nancy Sikes-Kline.

Grand Marshal for the parade was Carrie Johnson riding her signature three-wheel cycle.

Dan Sullivan and wife Helene, who traditionally held a St Patrick’s Day party in their Irish abode, say they have supported the parade and Celtic music celebration both years because, Dan says, “there wasn’t anything like it in St Augustine.”

Photo credits: © 2012 Historic City News contributed photograph by Shirley Williams-Galvin