Locals Celebrate at the Rumson St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Mar 15, 2023

Locals Celebrate at the Rumson St. Patrick’s Day Parade

By Lori Draz

The morning of March 12 was brisk – perfect for taking a walk and taking in the sights at the 10th anniversary of the Rumson St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Bundled-up brigades came out in full force to celebrate the Irish spirit. Whether they marched or cheered on the floats, bands, bagpipers, dancers and more joined together for a great time.

This family-friendly event has become Rumson’s biggest annual event. The parade featured about 75 different bagpipers and bands, antique cars, a motorcycle brigade, firetrucks from Rumson, Fair Haven and Middletown, dignitaries and the Grand Marshal, Christopher D. Maher, who celebrated with his wife, Maria, and their family and friends.

Everywhere you looked, Irish eyes were smiling, even those of the Irish for the day.

In addition to being a joyous event, the nonprofit Rumson St. Patrick’s Day Parade is an important annual fundraiser for other local organizations. This year’s beneficiaries include the Rumson Fire Department, Oceanic Hook and Ladder Fire Co. No. 1, and the Rumson First Aid Squad as well as 180 Turning Lives Around.

New parade president Michael Maguire said, “These hardworking organizations deserve our recognition and support for their decade of service to this event and their daily work of protecting all the residents. We are honored to serve them as they have served us.”

Other perennial parade events include the 2023 Michael J. Larkin Irish Essay competition. This year’s winners were: first place – Annabel Sparano (Trinity Hall), second place (tie) – Stephen Makin (Christian Brothers Academy) and Naomi Long Calvary (Christian High School) and third place – Bruno James D’Uva (Rumson-Fair Haven). Another competition is the 2023 Irish Heritage Poster contest. The winners were: kindergarten through third grade – Smith Dickson (Holy Cross Academy) and fourth through eighth grade – Lexi Bosa and Ella Kelly (Holy Cross Academy). In partnership with the Oceanic Free Library, the parade committee held the Irish Soda Bread contest with entertainment from Daly’s Irish Dance School and music by Solas na Mara Pipe Band. Winners were: first place – Marybeth Wilson, second place – Kathleen Walsh and third place – Mark Woldseth.

After enjoying a few toasts with some green beverages, the committee is already starting the planning for the 11th annual Parade. To learn more about getting involved, visit RumsonStPatricksDayParade.org.