The Auburn St. Patrick’s Day Parade showcased vibrant traditions through bagpipers, dancers, and community spirit, celebrating Irish heritage and unity in a poignant, lively procession.
The streets of Auburn, New York, were alive with the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day. A crisp breeze carried the sound of bagpipes through the neighborhood, stirring both nostalgia and excitement. I stood on the curb, camera in hand, ready to capture the essence of what is proudly proclaimed as “New York’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade.”
Leading the procession was a lone bagpiper, his presence commanding attention. Clad in a traditional kilt, he marched with precision, his fingers skillfully pressing the chanter, producing the unmistakable droning melody. The contrast of his black uniform against the white socks and flashes of green was striking. His gaze was fixed forward, unwavering, as he walked past modest houses adorned with shamrocks and green decorations. A woman standing nearby lifted her phone to capture the moment, mirroring my own effort to preserve the memory.
Just behind him, a group of proud marchers advanced, their sashes boldly displaying the colors of the Irish flag. Some leaned on walking sticks, a testament to age and tradition converging on this special day. They carried a banner that read: “New York’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade – Auburn – Ancient Order of Hibernians.” The crowd lining the sidewalks clapped and cheered as the parade, though brief, filled the street with a warmth that defied the cool March air.
The energy of the parade was contagious. A group of Irish dancers followed, their synchronized steps punctuated by the rhythmic clap of their hard shoes on pavement. The young girls, dressed in intricately designed Celtic-inspired outfits, smiled through the motions, their faces reflecting both discipline and joy. Alongside them, women in matching athletic gear clapped along, encouraging the younger dancers while swaying to the lively music.
Green was everywhere—on scarves, hats, jackets, and even the leggings of a young girl who skipped along with excitement. Onlookers wore festive attire, their laughter and conversations blending into the celebratory atmosphere. Irish pride radiated from the participants and the community that gathered to watch, reinforcing the deep cultural roots that have anchored this parade in tradition.
For all its brevity, the Auburn St. Patrick’s Day Parade carried a weight of significance. It was not about grand floats or large crowds; it was about honoring heritage, embracing camaraderie, and keeping alive a tradition that linked the past with the present. As the final marchers passed and the echoes of the bagpipes faded, I took a final look through my camera lens. I had captured moments of pride, joy, and unity—a testament to the enduring legacy of the Irish spirit in this small but vibrant celebration.
For best experience view video in YouTube
Enter your email to receive notification of future postings. I will not sell or share your email address.
Copyright 2024 All Rights Reserved Michael Stephen Wills
Embark on a journey with kiteboarders who harness the wind and surf, mastering both beach and ocean. Witness the evolution of this thrilling sport over seven years, from the sandy shore to the open waves.
Cocoa Beach, with its rhythmic waves, is a destination that stirs a sense of adventure. Seven years ago, March 2017, as I strolled along its sandy shores, my attention was captured by a curious sight: several people gliding effortlessly across the beach, seemingly with the wind at their command. These weren’t your typical surfers or skateboarders—they were kiteboarders, harnessing the power of the wind with large kites that stretched high into the sky. I was transfixed by the sight of their wheels skimming along the wet sand, leaving tracks like an artist’s brushstroke on a canvas.
The beach was alive with energy. The wind, the driving force behind the kiteboarders, was gusty, rippling the surface of the ocean and creating perfect waves for surfers. But the kiteboarders were on a different mission. They had wheels attached to large boards, akin to skateboards but bulkier. They wore helmets and pads, visibly prepared for a sport that seemed to demand not just skill but a dose of courage.
One rider caught my eye, with his bright blue helmet and focused gaze. He adjusted the lines of his kite like a master puppeteer, maneuvering himself with precision as he glided along the shore. The kite seemed an extension of his own limbs, responding seamlessly to his every movement. It was exhilarating to watch, the kite’s taut lines tracing invisible patterns in the sky as he shifted his weight, steering the board with expertise. With each gust of wind, he picked up speed, racing along the shore with a grin that spoke of pure joy.
Not far from him, a second kiteboarder, a woman, was testing her skills. Her kite had a distinct red pattern, vibrant against the backdrop of the sky. She handled it with ease, her body swaying in rhythm with the kite’s movements. It was like a dance, where the wind was both partner and lead, guiding her across the beach in wide arcs. Occasionally, she would glance over at the other riders, sharing nods of camaraderie that suggested a tight-knit community.
The sight reminded me of the joy of childhood, of riding bicycles down a hill, the wind whipping through your hair, feeling like you could conquer anything. But this was a more refined thrill, one that demanded an intimate understanding of nature’s forces. The kiteboarders were more than just athletes; they were artists painting their own masterpieces against the sky.
In the distance, I noticed a third rider. He was still finding his rhythm, his movements a little less sure, but the determination on his face was unmistakable. He kept his focus on the kite, battling the wind to gain control. Even as he stumbled a few times, his spirit didn’t falter. Each time he fell, he would rise, dust off the sand, and try again. It was a scene of persistence that spoke to the spirit of the sport—a reminder that mastery is not achieved without effort.
The sun began to dip toward the horizon, casting long shadows on the sand. The wind grew cooler, and the kiteboarders began to pack up their equipment. I found myself lingering a little longer, reflecting on what I had just witnessed. Kiteboarding seemed to embody the spirit of Cocoa Beach itself—a blend of adventure, community, and a deep connection with nature.
Walking away, I couldn’t help but feel inspired by their spirit of adventure. The kiteboarders had painted a vivid picture of resilience, joy, and the thrill of chasing the wind. They were, in a way, explorers charting a path on the very edge of land and sea, powered by nothing but wind and will.
Seven years later, this past winter of 2024, there was a kicking wind powering a group of three kiteboarders tackling the waves offshore, embracing the ocean waves in a spectacular display of skill.
Their kites stretched high against a steely sky, creating vibrant contrasts with their colorful patterns. One kiteboarder had a kite adorned in shades of turquoise, like a burst of sunlight riding the wind. He maneuvered deftly on the waves, rising high on the crest of each swell before swooping down into the troughs. His movements were fluid, and he rode each wave with a mastery that suggested years of experience.
The second rider, with a vivid blue kite, showed off his own skill set, to ride the waves with finesse, carving arcs through the water, creating a wake of white foam. He seemed almost weightless, gliding effortlessly, catching air whenever he hit a particularly high crest.
The third kiteboarder was the most daring of the trio, his kite blending with the overcast skt. He launched himself off the waves, soaring high into the air before coming down with a splash. Each leap seemed to defy gravity, and he twisted and turned in mid-air like an acrobat, displaying a level of athleticism that left the onlookers on the beach in awe. The wind and waves provided the perfect playground for his tricks, and he used every bit of it to his advantage.
The three kiteboarders moved in sync, communicating through gestures and nods, sometimes even shouting encouragement to each other over the sound of the crashing waves. They pushed one another to reach greater heights, to attempt more daring moves, and to revel in the shared joy of their sport. It was as if they were performing a choreographed routine, set to the rhythm of the sea.
Onlookers gathered along the shore, drawn by the mesmerizing sight of these kiteboarders taking on the ocean waves. The kiteboarders, with their vivid kites and breathtaking maneuvers, were like seagulls riding the wind, an exhilarating reminder of the power of nature and the joy of embracing it.
As the day wore on, the kiteboarders continued to ride the waves, their energy seemingly endless. The sea and sky were their canvas, and they painted across it in broad, sweeping strokes. Watching them was a thrilling reminder of the freedom and adventure that the ocean brings.
Copyright 2024 Michael Stephen Wills All Rights Reserved
In the early dawn, I walked the path to Killen, drawn by the legacy of my mother’s Irish youth. An abandoned hay wagon stood, a relic amidst the whispers of history and myth. Join me in uncovering the roots that intertwine family and the enduring Irish land.
A series of group and individual portraits from the 2013 Dragon Day Parade on the Cornell University Campus. I am happy to report this tradition resumed 2022 after a 2-year pandemic enforced hiatus. This tradition was and is celebrated for over 100 years.
Michael Stephen Wills Photography 