The annual Mid-Hudson St. Patrick’s Parade was back in Goshen on Mar. 12 for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic, drawing a crowd of thousands. 
Thomas McCarthy, this year’s grand marshal, told The Epoch Times that he was thankful for the warm weather and the honor of leading the parade down the streets. 
“When I think of the people before me that were on the list of grand marshals, what a bunch of great people I am with,” McCarthy said, “This is almost like a baseball player making the hall of fame.” 
Thomas McCarthy (R) and past grand marshall Bill Boss at Mid-Hudson St. Patrick’s Parade in Goshen, N.Y., on March 12, 2023. (Cara Ding/The Epoch Times)
McCarthy, a Monroe resident, has contributed to a long list of civic projects over the years, including helping create a fire company in Blooming Grove, serving as the transportation and logistics coordinator for Sonshine Boutique, and running several local food banks. …