ST. PAT’S PARADE:
THE GRIN ACROSS Mitch Kalaminsky’s face shone brighter than any of the smiling Irish eyes along Fifth Ave.
The 66-year-old marched Thursday with the Lavender & Green Alliance on a day when the St. Patrick’s Day Parade celebrated Irish history — and made some of its own.
While marking the 100th anniversary of the Easter Rising for Irish independence, the annual march also ended parade organizers’ long-standing battle to bar openly gay groups from joining the festivities.
“It feels amazing to finally be accepted,” said Chelsea resident Kalaminsky as paradegoers cheered the gay marchers. “I’m happy, excited, overwhelmed. This is a historical moment.”
The Lavender & Green contingent was joined by Mayor de Blasio, marching in his first parade after a two-year boycott over its noninclusive policy.
Joining him were about 250 people, including openly gay City Councilmen Daniel Dromm and James Van Bramer — who was busted on St. Patrick’s Day 2000 for protesting when gay groups were banned.
“It’s really emotional to be here, to be welcome here, to be celebrating,” said Van Bramer (D-Queens). “And to not be afraid of being arrested like I was 16 years ago.”
The dispute dates back to 1991, when gays and lesbians marching with then-Mayor David Dinkins were angrily jeered at and pelted with beer.
On Thursday, even the jeers of one angry protester — “This is not what the parade is about!” — couldn’t spoil the good Gaelic vibes at the 255th edition of the nation’s oldest and largest March 17 event.
“I get chills just thinking about actually being here,” said Jacqueline Santana, 32, of the Lower East Side. “I thought it was something far fetched us being here. I didn’t think it was possible.”
Bill Healy, 78, of Saddle River, N.J., was among the early arrivals watching from the Midtown sidewalks.
“This parade has a rich history,” said Healy, whose parents immigrated from County Mayo. “I wouldn’t miss it for the world. It’s sunny, the weather is beauti-
ful. You couldn’t ask for more.”
Morgan Brown, 17, traveled a lot farther than Healy — she came from Eureka, Calif., for her first St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
“This is huge — it’s insane,” said Brown, sporting a green bow in her hair. “I can’t believe we’re here. There’s so much energy. It’s really exciting.”