United Irish Celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with a Magical Disney Twist

During the 2024 United Irish St. Patrick’s Day Parade, there was a vibrant splash of color and joy that accompanied the parade procession. Amongst the traditional Irish bagpipers, dancers, and floats decked in green, the crowd was delighted by a special appearance from a group of Disney Princesses.

The parade drew families out to the parade route. As the floats meandered through Harrison, East Newark and Kearny, a particularly enchanting one held a lineup of individuals dressed as beloved Disney Princesses, bringing a touch of fairytale magic to the day.

Leading the royal cavalcade was a figure dressed as Ariel from The Little Mermaid, her bright green tail shimmering even without the sun’s touch. Beside her stood Maribel, her skirt adorned with vibrant flowers that seemed to dance in the slight breeze. Anna and Elsa from "Frozen" followed, their costumes capturing the essence of their respective journeys — Anna in her adventurous traveling attire and Elsa in her majestic ice queen gown, resonating with the young and the young at heart.

The float continued with Belle from Beauty and the Beast, her yellow ballgown as timeless as the tale itself, alongside another character in a teal dress — a creative nod to Tiana from The Princess and the Frog. Their presence was a visual feast, entwined with the day's theme of cultural celebration.

This is what community events are all about — coming together to celebrate tradition while embracing the joy and innocence of childhood memories. The children especially liked the Princesses. As the procession made its way up North Frank E. Rodgers Blvd, the princesses waved and greeted enthusiastic children, who waved back.  The inclusion of these storybook characters was not just a crowd-pleaser but also a symbol of the universal appeal of storytelling and its power to unite across cultures.

The parade concluded with joyful cheers and an air of enchantment that only Disney characters could provide. As Harrison continues to celebrate its rich Irish heritage, it’s clear that there’s always room for a little extra magic and wonder, much to the delight of all who gathered on this festive occasion.

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