South Queens, NY – Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato (D-South Queens) could be seen smiling and cheering at the 2022 Rockaway St. Patrick’s Day Parade. After a year-long hiatus, the parade was back with hundreds of onlookers, local bands, bagpipes and friendly local officials marching down the street.

The morning started with a prayer service, followed by a breakfast at the Knight of Columbus where NYS Attorney General Letitia James joined to honor this year's grand marshal, John Samuelson, President of TWU International, and the deputy grand marshals. Assemblywoman Pheffer Amato presented each honoree with a personalized certificate to thank them for their work within the Rockaways, the Irish-American Community and the State of New York. In addition, she spoke with delegates from several Irish counties who had traveled from Ireland to celebrate with the Rockaway community. To join in the fun of the festivities, the Assemblywoman changed her name to Stacey Pheffer O’Mato because “today, we are all Irish and we are all one community celebrating the best parade in New York,” the Assemblywoman said.

As a member of the American Irish Legislators Society, the Assemblywoman helped kick off the parade and was joined by Mayor Eric Adams, Senator Joseph Addabbo, District Attorney Melinda Katz, Queens County Clerk Audrey I. Pheffer, Councilwoman Joann Ariola and some amazing unions. The Assemblywoman directly marched with the sanitation workers and Local 79, the laborers union and went over to the firehouse to chat with the brave heroes. Throughout the parade the Assemblywoman ran to constituents, hugging and cheering as it was clear that the community was united and ready to move past the COVID-19 pandemic.

“The Rockaways are the embodiment of resilience and this just shows that nothing can keep us down. This parade not only symbolizes our amazing community, but also celebrates the end of the Covid-19 pandemic and is a clear sign that we are ready to take back our lives by continuing to be smart, safe and maintaining a united front,” said Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer O’Mato (Amato).