Manalapan area celebrates St. Patricks Day

Freehold Borough Arts Council’s Patrick’s Day Parade and Flavor of Freehold are coming in mid-March.

The parade route will begin on West Main and proceed down Main, ending at 1454 Point the Freehold Elks Lodge.

Contests will include best dressed dog, baby under three years old, adult, bicycle, and motorcycle. The Grand Marshal for this year’s parade will be Tom Hayes, and Community Grand Marshal will be Bill Madden.

The parade featuring The Ancient Order of Hibernians and Freehold Elks and other local organizations will line up at 11:30 am and kick off at an hour later at 12:30 pm.

The Elks will be serving corned beef platters and sandwiches, and the winner of the 50/50 raffle will be announced at 5:30 pm. Junkyard Dogs will entertain from 1:00 pm to 6:00 pm. The Knights of Columbus will also be serving corned beef platters and sandwiches. Jimmy and Gene’s McMahon Clan will provide entertainment beginning at 1:00 pm. The American hotel will have the same Irish menu, and the Eddie Testa Band will play starting around 2:00 pm.

The St. Patrick’s Day Parade will take place Sunday, March 12.

The fun continues Wednesday, March 15 from 5:30 pm to 8:00 pm with the Flavor of Freehold. This will be a tour of Downtown Freehold’s shops, bars, and restaurants. Shamrock graphic design passports will guide Manalapan guests from place to place, with each serving signature samples. Bagpipes will add to the evening ambience.