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Pols march with umbrellas at Sunnyside Irish parade

By Tien-Shun Lee

A steady, light rain kept many marchers and spectators away from Sunday’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Sunnyside, but it did not dampen the spirits of Mayor Michael Bloomberg and other elected officials who turned out in the sea of umbrellas.

“You can blame the mayor [for the weather], but the mayor did it so we could all feel like we grew up in Ireland,” Bloomberg joked during a short greeting to the crowd.

Parade organizer Brendan Fay said people had been calling him all day to ask if the event was still going on, and he had been telling them, “It’s been raining in Ireland for 6 million years.”

Around 35 groups showed up in the rain to march, about a third of the number originally expected, said parade organizer Barbara Mohr. Several of the groups represented gay and lesbian organizations, which have been banned from the larger Fifth Avenue St. Patrick’s Day Parade planned for March 17.

“In Dublin, they can march under gay and lesbian banners. In Limerick and Cork, too. It just seems to me that everyone should be able to march on Fifth Avenue,” said Bernard O’Brien, who marched with the Notre Dame Club.

Wearing a green sweater, green jacket and bright green socks, Bloomberg said he was happy to march in the “all-inclusive” Sunnyside parade.

“I’m glad everyone can come and march in this parade — I wish all parades were that way,” he said.

Nevertheless, the mayor has agreed to march in the Fifth Avenue St. Patrick’s Day Parade, drawing criticism from gay and lesbian advocates.

“The Irish are known for our hearty welcome. We go out of our way to be welcoming and inclusive of everyone,” Fay said.    

Led by groups of children dubbed the “grand marshals” of the event, the parade proceeded from 43rd Street and Skillman Avenue, down Skillman, Roosevelt and Woodside avenues until 63rd Street.

“It’s a little bit uncomfortable, but once you put the raincoats on it’s OK,” said Douglas Ochursky, who led a group of 50 high school students in the All-City High School band.

Before embarking on the parade route, Red Cross volunteers handed out hot cocoa and tea to parade-goers.

“We try to participate in these parades so people can see, hey, we’re here,” said Sidney Ko, a Red Cross service assistant. “A lot of people don’t realize that we’re here in Queens.”

Elected officials who marched with Bloomberg included City Council Speaker Gifford Miller (D-Manhattan), City Comptroller William Thompson Jr., state Sen. Toby Stavisky (D-Whitestone), state Assemblyman Brian McLaughlin (D-Flushing), Councilwoman Melinda Katz (D-Forest Hills), U.S. Rep. Anthony Weiner (D-Kew Gardens), City Councilwoman Christine Quinn (D-Manhattan), who is openly gay, and state Sen. Tom Duane (D-Manhattan), who is openly gay and HIV-positive.

One group that appeared to be a favorite of spectators was the Sunnyside United Dog Society, which paraded down the street with dogs on leashes.

“I love it. It brings the community together,” said Allegra Ruiz, a resident of Sunnyside for 25 years. “It’s better than being inside.”

Reach reporter Tien-Shun Lee by e-mail at Timesledger@aol.com, or call 718-229-0300, ext. 155.