Center Moriches was a sea of green as the annual St. Patrick’s parade made its way down Main Street headed by Grand Marshal Mark Danowski. The weather was perfect, and the route was packed with revelers looking to shake off the chill of winter.
Sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce of Moriches, the parade drew marchers from throughout the area, including bagpipers and the Center Moriches High School Band. Local businesses turned out with all kinds of floats, and first responders proudly marched alongside their department apparatus.
Danowski watched the parade march by his insurance business on Main Street for 21 years before getting the opportunity to lead it. He was joined by the elected officials representing the area, from County Executive Ed Romaine and Town Supervisor Dan Panico, both Center Moriches residents, to Congressman Nick LaLota, Senator Dean Murray, Assemblywoman Jodi Giglio, Receiver of Taxes Lou Marcocchia, and Legislator Jim Mazzarella.
Marching as well were past Grand Marshals Art Gerhauser, George Keller, Joe McHeffey, Gerry Sapanaro, and Lee Sinnickson. County Executive Romaine led the event in 2010 when he was a Suffolk Legislator.
A focal point for the parade goers was Buckley’s, the popular Irish pub. Many shops along the route were opened, including Gavin’s Treasurers, where proprietor Tova Keblish welcomed the crowds. Brothers Four Pizza cranked out the slices, and Hamptons Coffee kept everyone’s spirits up with free hot chocolate. Rainbow Rolls and Ultimate Ice Cream attracted many a sweet tooth. Customers were in and out of Goldberg’s and Main Street Smoke Beer and Convenience.