Irish Arts Center executives lead Sunnyside's St. Pat's for All parade

Record crowds turned out last Sunday afternoon for the 14th annual St Pat's For All Parade in Sunnyside, Queens.

This St. Patrick's Day parade merits itself as being one of the most diverse in the city, embracing LGBT contingents, community groups, children's bands, Irish organizations and religious and civic groups, all in celebration of Ireland.

This year’s Grand Marshalls were the Irish Arts Center’s Executive Director Aidan Connolly and Vice Chair Pauline Turley. City officials in attendance included New York Mayor Michael Bloomberg and House Speaker Christine Quinn.

Dancers from the Bronx-based Keltic Dreams, led by dance teacher Caroline Duggan performed for the crowds before the parade began.

The New York Fire Department’s Emerald Society Pipes and Drums corps led the parade along Skillman avenue before it drew to a close at Woodside Ave & 58th Street.

The parade was founded by community activist Brendan Fay, who was arrested at three St. Patrick’s parades on Fifth Avenue, when he tried to march with a gay rights group.