PHOTOS: Naugatuck Celebrates St. Patrick's Day

A crowd of Naugatuck residents, many decked out in green apparel with Irish flag patches, gathered downtown on Saturday to watch the honoring of borough residents David Cronin and Kathryn Green as "Irish Mayors for the Day."

The St. Patrick's Day event encompassed some speeches, a parade, and a Mass at at 9 a.m. Then, at 10 a.m., the crowds migrated to just outside for the raising of the Irish flag and some musical pieces by members of the Ancient Order of the Hibernians (AOH), the organization credited for putting on the event.

AOH member Bernie Dailey lead the singing with both the National Anthem and the Irish National Anthem, as well as a rendition of "O' Danny Boy."

The Horgan Academy of Irish Dance presented a dance routine as well.

Cronin and Green were honored recognized by the Master of Ceremonies, John Ford, as well as Mayor Robert Mezzo and state Rep. Rosa Rebimbas, who praised them for their community involvement.

Mezzo then took a minute to make a joking quip about Cronin, a former head of the Taxpayers in Revolt group. He noted that Cronin is often one who is active on promoting the importance of low taxes in the borough.

"In honor of that, I've got a copy of our budget which you can read," Mezzo said, holding up a thick blue binder. "I'll be down at Duffy's."

The crowd, and Cronin, laughed at the remark.

Following the ceremony, everyone headed down to the for some Irish soda bread and coffee.