Irish heritage on parade in Newton

By George Leroy Hunter
Newton — The air was brisk and the sky gray with a sea of green carpeting Spring Street in Newton, the county seat. The green was from the attire of the people young and old who came out for the 14th Annual Sussex County Saint Patrick's Day Parade on Saturday, March 18.
Parade revelers along with a lively roster of bands, dancers and floats celebrated Irish heritage and lore. And, as usual, you did not have to be Irish to participate. The parade attracted a diverse group of people who wanted to celebrate a culture that has played an important role in the enrichment and growth of the U.S.
“The parade is a way of celebrating Irish heritage,” said Paul Crowley, this year’s parade Grand Marshal. Crowley, a dentist, is the former mayor of Franklin Borough.
Last year's grand marshal, former Vernon Township High School Principal Timothy Dunnigan, made an appearance at this year’s parade. He walked the route and greeted attendees along with state Sen. Steve Oroho (R-Sussex, Warren, Morris).
Among the groups that participated in the parade were the Vernon Township High School Marching Band, Christ Community Church of Newton, Newton Chief of Police Michael Richards, Rory O’Moore Pipes & Drums, Newton Mayor Sandra Lee Diglio, the Rangers of Wild West City, Police Pipes and Drums of Morris County, An Clar School of Irish Dance, Lenahan School of Irish Dance, the Vietnam Veterans Chapter 1002 Color Guard and many others.
The Newton Fire Department was joined by the following local fire departments; Hampton Township, Andover Borough, Andover Township, Branchville, Byram, Hamburg, Lafayette, Sparta, and Stanhope.
March 17 is the traditional death date of Saint Patrick (c. AD 385–461), the patron saint of Ireland. He is credited with converting the Irish to Christianity in the fifth century AD.