Thousands Show Up For Hoboken St. Pat's Parade

The sound of bag pipes filled the air on Saturday afternoon as Hoboken's politicians, community members and local officials marched down Washington Street in celebration of the 25th annual Hoboken St. Patrick's Day Parade.

"This is the best parade in Hudson County," said County Executive Thomas DeGise, who said he comes to town every year for the celebrations. Jersey City Mayor Jerramaiah Healy (wearing a tuxedo) and Weehawken Mayor Richard Turner also attended the parade. 

This year's Grand Marshal, Bill Noonan, lead the parade and was closely followed by Mayor Dawn Zimmer and Police Chief Anthony Falco. Behind them was Honorary Grand Marshal Cake Boss Buddy Valastro in a shiny race car. 

"I always make this parade," said Congressman Albio Sires. "It's a great day"

The cast of the Hoboken High School production of Hairspray performed all the way down, on a large float, causing by passers to dance and clap to the music. 

As everybody gathered up at Fourteenth and Washington Streets to walk down, most people said that Saturday was about Irish heritage and bringing Hoboken together.

After the parade, the Department of Environmental Services was supposed to start cleaning the streets. Environmental Services employees will continue the clean up on Sunday morning. The entire police department was on call after the parade. 

Right before the parade started, the amount of Emergency calls for the Hoboken Volunteer Ambulance Corps was about half it was last year at that time. (Six calls for service around 1 p.m.)

The first intoxicated people were brought to the hospital as early as 10 a.m., according to a member of the HVAC.

After the parade, the mayor said she was pleased with what she saw, indicating that the $2,000 fine worked to keep visitors and party goers in check.  

After marching the honorees gathered on the stage in front of City Hall. 

"This is the day the community comes together," Valastro said after going down Washington Street, adding that he has attended many parades in the past.