‘Luck o' the Irish' marks St. Patrick's Day Parade

Newton - Trite as it may sound, the 2006 St. Patrick’s Day Parade had the “Luck o’ the Irish” going for it as temperatures warmed, along with the smiles and cheers of the hundreds of onlookers. “We couldn’t ask for a better day,” said Grand Marshal Ailish Hambel, mayor of Sparta. “The first parade we froze, and today God is shining down on us.” The event, sponsored by the Ancient Order of Hibernians of Sussex County, included pipe and drum bands from Passaic and Pocono Mountain, the Franklin Community Band, and the fire and emergency services departments from Rainbow Lakes in Denville, Franklin, Newton, Sparta and Swartswood, as well as several scout troops and community organizations. Kelly Marie Goodwin, this year’s Queen of the Fair, greeted the cheering crowd while seated atop an Escalade from McGuire Auto. “We’re here representing our church, the Newton Baptist Church,” said Donna Rummel, riding with the White Horsemen of Newton. “It’s been 30 years since I’ve been in a parade and it’s great fun. And to see the enthusiasm of the kids - it’s awesome.” With more than 600 participants in this, the third annual event, the parade continues to grow in size and popularity.