Manalapan looks forward to parade

  • 2024-02-26
Many revelers in Manalapan and surrounding areas will be donning their green finery and heading to the St. Patrick's Day Parade coming in mid-March.

The Freehold Borough Arts Council will be holding its annual St. Patrick's Day Parade on St. Paddy's Day. The Grand Marshal for this year will be Terri O’Connor, and the Community Grand Marshal will be Dru-Anne McLane Palaima. Delegates from Rathangan and County Kildare, Ireland will be honorary guests.

Youngsters under three years old will vie for this year's Best Dressed Baby, canines will get all dolled up for the Best Dress Dog Contest, and best dressed adults, decorated bicycles, and motorcycles will vie for honors in their designated competitions.

All parade units will need to check in at 10:40 am and assemble at 11:30 am on West Main. A Grand Marshal Induction ceremony will be at noon, in front of the American Legion, 62 West Main Street, with the parade stepping off at 12:30 pm.

Units in parades like this often get special banner printing done featuring items associated with the holiday, such as green shamrocks, leprechauns, and pots of gold.

Seven after-parade parties are being scheduled, including those at the Elks, Knights of Columbus, American Hotel, and Ancient Order of the Hibernians. All will be serving corned beef sandwiches and platters, and many will have live entertainment.

The 2024 Freehold Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade and after-parties will take place Sunday, March 17 from 11:30 am to 5:00 pm.