The Nation - News from March 17, 1985
More than 1 million spectators jammed New York’s 5th Avenue for the world’s oldest and largest St. Patrick’s Day parade, which stepped off a day early this year to avoid any conflict with the Roman Catholic Church over a Sunday event. However, the selection of Peter King, Nassau County comptroller and an active IRA supporter, as grand marshal prompted the Irish government to boycott the event. Thousands viewed a parade in Chicago, which continued a civic tradition by dumping green dye into the Chicago River.
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