HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) - The 72nd annual Holyoke St. Patrick's Parade and the 48th annual Holyoke St. Patrick’s Road Race have come and gone however, some winners have been crowned. Photos include pet night with the Holyoke Mall Easter Bunny On March 22nd, over 6,000 runners laced up for the St. Patrick's Road Race, which featured a 2-mile walk and a 10K course winding up and down through the city with live music, thousands of cheering fans, and spirit along the way. Proceeds from the race went to the St. Patrick’s Committee of Holyoke to support this year's events and beyond. In the 10K race men’s division, Samuel Whittaker of Salem, CT took first place with a time of 31:24. Alex Corbett came in second, crossing the line at 31:4,7 followed closely by Nate Fondakowski in 32:02. In the women's 10K division, Angelia Rafter of Glastonbury, CT, finished with a time of 34:14, securing first place. Brook Morabito and Sarah Flynn rounded outthe podium with times of 34:39 and 35:49. On March 23rd, 350,000 spectators gathered to enjoy the Holyoke St. Patrick's Parade's Irish spirit, dazzling floats, and energetic marching bands. One of the highlights of the events is the display of themed floats, and each competes for top honors. The Grand Prize this year was awarded to the Springfield Elks #61 for their 50 Years of Jaws theme. The Best Colleen Float was awarded to the West Springfield “Conlin Bower,” which showcased a giant leprechaun and a rainbow wrapping around the Colleens. First prize in the Irish Theme went to Chicopee for their “Irish Fourtune” Colleen float, the second prize was presented to Agawam for their “Rocking with the Colleen” float, and the third prize was to Westfield for “Mike’s Wish” Colleen float. South Hadley won first in the Patriotic Theme for “Service, Remembering Sacrafice”, adisplay that honored military service. First prize in the Open Theme went to UnitedHorizons “Friend for Down Syndrome”, followed by Jericho’s “There is No Place Like Jericho”Wizard of Oz theme. Third place in the Open Theme went to Holyoke High School South’s DeanTech Campus for “Dean Tech CTE,” for representing the various programs at the school. The Ancient Order of the Hibernians’ “St. Brigid’s Float,” taking home the First prize in the Religious Theme. The Most Outstanding Unit in the Line of March was given to the Tian Guo band. Worcester Kiltie won Best Pipe Band, and McGann marching band won Best Brass Band. The Best String Band award went to the Mummers group, the Aqua String Band. Best Band Captain was given to the Holyoke Caledonians and Westfield High School and brought home the trophy for Best High School Marching Band. The Connecticut Hurricanes won Best Drum & Bugle Corps, with St. Peter’s Drum Corp. taking home Best Flag Corps. The Best Drumline was given to Brooklyn United, and South Hadley High School celebrated winning Best Major/Majorette. Lastly, the Westfield High School marching band won the People’s Choice Award. Local News Headlines Springfield man charged with trafficking cocaine in North Adams These Massachusetts schools awarded grants for locally grown food Healey budget would force Trial Court hiring freeze Springfield police seek help locating missing 58-year-old man WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. ...read more read less