This year’s Grand Marshals, long-time Little Compton teachers Diane and David MacGregor, drew some of the loudest cheers as the parade worked its way east on Main Road. Later in the day, during a break in the music, they took to the stage to say what the day meant to them:

“It has been fantastic to see how the town and the community have come to support this great idea and make it a success again for the third year,” Dave said. “ I thank the Kinnane crew and all the people that volunteered, and also for all the sponsors, and especially thank you for the privelege of being able to do this.”

Added Diane:

“When Dave and I came to Little Compton almost 50 years ago, we never could have envisioned a day like this. And when I looked out at everyone today, and I’m seeing all these people I haven’t seen in a really long time, I said to somebody, ‘I haven’t seen this many happy people together in a really long time. And it feels so good.’”

“It makes us feel that we’re really blessed that Little Compton opened their arms to us 50 years ago, and that we made this place our forever home. It’s a wonderful place. And Father Sean (who earlier in the program had told lyrics and blessed the parade), we’re a little upset that you did some limericks, because yours were really good. But I wrote my own. So in true teacher style, this is my limerick to celebrate the parade today:

“In a village named Adamsville

Which was usually quiet and chill,

The world’s shortest parade

for St. Paddy was made,

and it gave our whole state quite the thrill.”

“Erin Go Bragh everbody, thank you!”