24th Annual Saint Patrick's Day Parade Saturday, March 15th, 2008 at 12 noon on the Boulevard
Seaside Heights, New Jersey
(Seaside
Heights) - For the 24 straight year, Seaside Heights and Seaside Park, New
Jersey will be the focal point of everything Irish as the 2008 Ocean County
Saint Patrick’s Day Parade kicks off on Saturday March 15th at noon
from the staging point inside Seaside Park and marches north through Seaside
Heights. “Groups are already calling in and reserving their spot in line” says
Parade Coordinator, John Sweeney of Lavallette. “Not only is it a great day to
celebrate, it’s also a great day to make the public aware of your business, or
organization with a steadily growing number of spectators nearing 70,000 and
increased media attention, as we near the 25 year mark.” he added.
Community
groups are invited to join the 1-1/2 mile line of march, which lasts about one
and half hours, and should register now. The parade “ Our goal is to have the
best parade not the longest” says Sweeney “ and so far we’ve been able to do
just that.” What makes the parade so exciting? Hummers, Drummers and Mummers
for sure and even a green Army National Guard helicopter, have in the past
graced the parade with an air of importance and festivity. Bagpipes, dancers,
and many school bands, and other musical groups from the county, with some from
as far as Philadelphia and Boston have provided excitement and pageantry.
Kevin Donahue and Tom King of Toms River, parade
co-chairmen, said it takes more than 40 parade marshals to usher so grand an
event down the main Boulevard of Seaside.
“We
have a great relationship with the Columbus Day folks and we help each other
out” said Donahue. Adds King “The Parade keeps growing and to keep it under two
hours takes organization so we could always use more parade marshals. Anyone
interested should contact us.”
“This is a great way to spend
the day at the Jersey Shore” says Ocean County Freeholder Director and Tourism
Liaison Joe Vicari. “Not only is the parade Ocean County’s centerpiece for
Irish celebration it’s the event that signals the start of spring and the summer
tourism season. The event provides a great opportunity for spectators to make
arrangements for their summer vacation accommodations as well." Vicari said. “
It’s impressive to see Seaside Heights and Seaside Park cooperating for years to
bring joy to so many people with a parade that’s been ranked in the top 200
events in the Nation.”
There’s lots to do before and after the parade including
attending the traditional Irish Mass at Our Lady of Perpetual Help on the
Boulevard and Grant Ave. at 10:00AM. “ There will be plenty of parking but get
here early to avoid delays. There are a lot of places to have breakfast, lunch
and dinner.” says Maria Murica Seaside Heights BID executive director. There are
places to stay and things to do and, weather permitting, a lot of the boardwalk
attractions are even open.
Groups and
organizations interested in marching should call Joe and Stacy Palmieri Parade
Group co-chairs at 732-929-4826. Sponsors should call Sponsor Chairperson,
Vanessa-Cherry Eytan at 732-773-9892. For more information call John Sweeney
Parade Coordinator at 732-830-1847
(Seaside
Heights) - For the 24 straight year, Seaside Heights and Seaside Park, New
Jersey will be the focal point of everything Irish as the 2008 Ocean County
Saint Patrick’s Day Parade kicks off on Saturday March 15th at noon
from the staging point inside Seaside Park and marches north through Seaside
Heights. “Groups are already calling in and reserving their spot in line” says
Parade Coordinator, John Sweeney of Lavallette. “Not only is it a great day to
celebrate, it’s also a great day to make the public aware of your business, or
organization with a steadily growing number of spectators nearing 70,000 and
increased media attention, as we near the 25 year mark.” he added. 
Community
groups are invited to join the 1-1/2 mile line of march, which lasts about one
and half hours, and should register now. The parade “ Our goal is to have the
best parade not the longest” says Sweeney “ and so far we’ve been able to do
just that.” What makes the parade so exciting? Hummers, Drummers and Mummers
for sure and even a green Army National Guard helicopter, have in the past
graced the parade with an air of importance and festivity. Bagpipes, dancers,
and many school bands, and other musical groups from the county, with some from
as far as Philadelphia and Boston have provided excitement and pageantry. 
“We
have a great relationship with the Columbus Day folks and we help each other
out” said Donahue. Adds King “The Parade keeps growing and to keep it under two
hours takes organization so we could always use more parade marshals. Anyone
interested should contact us.”