Literally one of my first ever memories was a St. Patrick’s Day Parade. And not just any parade – it was the granddaddy of them all, New York City’s Fifth Avenue Bash.
I danced on my daddy’s shoulders with a big floppy green hat on my head, a plastic shillelagh in my hand and a clover-leaf scarf around my neck. I must have looked like the Lucky Charms Leprechaun. And I’m Italian! But one thing for sure as we all know is that when March rolls around we all have one thing on our minds – St. Patrick’s Day. And basketball. OK, that’s two things. And Spring. OK, moving on…
Parades are something that anyone and everyone can eNJoy, if even for different reasons. The children love the sound and look of the marching bands, the seniors love the wearin’ of the green and the wavin’ of the flags, and everyone else in between is alternately moved, emotional, smiling or hammered. And don’t worry about a long drive into the city. No one need cross a bridge or enter a tunnel anymore. New Jersey’s cities and towns go all out for a celebration meant for and designed by locals. And seriously, who parties more than a New Jersey local?
They begin as early as March 5 (Nutley) and March 6 (Belmar and Mount Holly) and run right up to 26 (Keansburg and Ringwood) and including every weekend in between. Most of you already know all about your hometown celebration and have made plans accordingly. Well then, good on’ ya mate (wait, that’s Australian, not Irish…I get confused). The weather has been surprisingly decent so far this winter (can you believe it’s already March?) We’ll say a prayer to St. Patty himself for sunny skies and fair winds, although I have to say that I have witnessed parades with less than stellar conditions and more than average revelry.
No matter where you live, there is a parade and a party for you to show your pride, and it doesn’t matter if your name is O’Brien, Pulanski, Gupta, Brown or Bottacelli.
For the lowdown on every parade in New Jersey, visit the ultimate parade site: