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The parade started at Valentine Lane and culminated at Getty Square. Police departments, fire departments, Yonkers Mayor Mike Spano, Westchester County Executive Rob Astorino, local schools, unions, community and philanthropic organizations marched together toward St. John's Episcopal Church to the sound of bagpipers and drummers.
"I came out because my husband and his family are all marching in the parade," Catherine Mary Dumper said. "They're wearing kilts and they're very handsome -- mostly bagpipers and we have one drummer, but I love them all."
Dumper was sitting with five friends on the sidewalk, the girls dressed in green t-shirts. "Absolutely, we're having fun. We're picking up the party straight from last night."
Most people present had some way of wearing their St. Patrick's Day pride. Face painters and vendors selling Irish paraphernalia -- green Mardi Gras beads, clover-shaped glasses, large felt hats decorated with green heart sequins -- lined the street. Dan Kintner, who has been coming to Yonkers with his pushcart for 18 years, sold a small Irish flag to a little girl.
"I think I'm doing a public service because everybody wants something Irish," he said. "Plus, it's a great day to party, so people will wear anything fun and crazy."
A black French Bulldog in a green top hat and green bow-tie was also part of the procession.
"The Westchester Police Emerald Society leads the parade, and this is a great show," said Kerin McCue, the grandstand announcer, who has lived in Yonkers his whole life and has marched many times himself. "We've got great sunshine, and there are a lot of folks out there waiting to hear some good old Celtic music. And we're going to give it to them."
Yvette Romero came from the Bronx to take part in the festivities. "It's a beautiful day; it's a celebration," she said. "I go to everything. You name it and I'm there -- the Chinese New Year, the Puerto Rican Day Parade, so the Irish as well of course."
Romero said she and her two friends were getting into the Irish spirit. "We're going to the bar after to keep up with tradition!"
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