The chilly winds of March were blowing hard on March 13, but not hard enough to stop a determined crowd of thousands from lining River Road in Rumson for the ninth annual Rumson St. Patrick’s Day parade. They came dressed in every shade of green, with shamrocks painted on their faces and hearts full of Irish pride! The parade returned after a one-year hiatus, and it is clear that it has become one of the biggest events of the year in Rumson.
This year’s Grand Marshal was Charles Hill Jones. Jones was joined at the celebration by his wife of 60 years, Hope Haskell Jones, and their three children: daughter Hope and sons Charles Hill III and Henry MT.
The parade featured dignitaries, floats and costumed marchers spiritedly announced by former Fair Haven Mayor Ben Lucarelli. Team after team of Irish dancers pranced through the afternoon, and waves of bag pipers filled the air with their stirring songs. More than just a social event, the Rumson Parade Committee also raises valuable funds for charity each year.
This year’s charity recipient was ShoreHouse, the first-of- its-kind in New Jersey to offer free mental health support to all who seek its services.
Parade Board member Jamie McManus said, “The return of the parade reminds us that we have endured a difficult year that challenged many. Choosing Shore House acknowledges the mental health struggles we have all felt during this time and gives us a way to help support their free programs and services.”
The Parade Committee also designated funds for the preservation work of the Monmouth County Historical Association, which the Jones family has supported for many decades.
To date, the parade has provided more than $200,000 in support to more than 30 local organizations that also strongly believe in the spirit of giving.
The Rumson Parade Committee extends a deep and sincere thank you to the many sponsors and volunteers and to the police department for all their hard work. They look forward to seeing you again next year!
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