Lively parade warms up a very chilly day
DESPITE very cold weather and high winds, Bray’s St Patrick’s Day Parade went ahead last Saturday.
The committee decided that morning that they would ask groups not to perform in front of the reviewing stand.
This was so as those marching in the parade would not have to stand in the cold waiting, as groups ahead of them performed.
Groups still marched on, and made their way past the judges at the stand, with MC Declan Meehan introducing them to the public. The committee, all volunteers, and the judges were disappointed, but the decision was made for the welfare of those participating in -3 wind chill and 70 km per hour winds.
They were invited to perform on the bandstand after moving off the parade line, if they wished.
The committee and the community groups had put weeks and months of work into preparing for the parade.
There was a wonderful turnout for the event, with hundreds lining the streets. A spokeswoman for the committee said that she was amazed that so many people came out in such conditions. She said that in 12 years of organising the event, she has never seen weather like it on St Patrick’s Day.
The overall winner was Rachel Fisher Hip Hop. All of the awards will be given out next Tuesday evening to arts, youth, sporting and community groups.
The parade route took in the main street, Quinsboro Road, Seymour Road and the seafront, led by last year’s ‘Person of the Year’ Dr Fidelma Savage.