CUTCHOGUE, NY — It was a sea of green and shamrocks Saturday as the 18th annual Cutchogue St. Patrick's Day brought a festive crowd to the North Fork.
The event, presented by the North Fork Chamber of Commerce in partnership with the Cutchogue Fire Department, featured Paul Drum as Grand Marshal.
Joe Corso, of the North Fork Chamber, greeted the crowd. “I can't believe it's been 18 years. When we first started this parade, the first year, we had no idea if anyone was going to show up. One of the most exciting things was, that day, looking up and down the street and see that kind of crowd. Every year, it gets a little bigger.”
Corso also mentioned Paul Drum and the Paul Drum Life Experience Project. “It's a non-profit organization based out of Greenport that is dedicated to enriching children's lives through the exploration of ideas, discussions and hands-on experiences,” said Corso.
The free program, for 7- to 12-year-olds, meets for eight weeks in July and August, she said. “Many of the programs are educational in scope; they have interactive programs, many related to the sea and the bay.”
Arlene Klein, one of the founders of the Paul Drum Life Experience Project, also spoke, explaining that some of the programs — there are new offerings every summer — include magicians, shark experiences, sign language classes, goat yoga, double Dutch jump rope, robotics And much more. “The kids are having a great time,” she said. “We don't take funds, but we do take donations.”
The program takes place on Wednesdays at 10 am. at Front Street Station. The children involved must be registered, he said.
Paul said he was excited to lead the parade. “He's very excited and very happy to be a part of such a great community event,” said his mother Sharon Saylor.
He was also very happy to have the opportunity to present his program, the Paul Drum Life Experience Project, he said.
According to the program's website: “It all started with one young man's enthusiasm. Paul Drum was looking for a way to give back to the generous community that accepted him and supported him unconditionally.”
Sailor reflected on her son's honor serving as grand marshal: “I couldn't be prouder of him and all he's accomplished through his work and involvement in the community. There's no one who doesn't know Paul somewhere , somewhere. He's growing — and he's able to present the Paul Drum Life Experience Project and give us the publicity we need to fund donations and continue our eighth year of classes that are free for all children from age 7 ages up to 12, regardless of financial status. They have the opportunity to broaden their horizons and be exposed to things they wouldn't normally be.”
Of the parade, Sailor added: “It was a great turnout. I think Paul did a fantastic job and really got the community involved – and I think it was great for the project too.”
