A St. Patrick's Day Tradition Continues in Freehold

A St. Patrick’s Day tradition continues in Freehold this year thanks to two local organizations.

The Freehold Borough Arts Council (FBAC) and the local Ancient Order of Hibernians have teamed up to continue the Freehold St. Patrick’s Day parade following the success of last year’s first parade.

“We decided to have the 2012 parade two weeks before St. Patrick’s Day,” explained FBAC member John Newman. “We thought there would only be 20 people marching down an empty street but it wasn’t. Actually, hundreds of people showed up. We were so surprised by the success.”

While last year’s parade was a hit, this year’s parade hopes to be even better with some new features.

“Last year we were so low budget we handed out lucky charms to spectators,” laughed Newman. “This year we have more money going into the parade. We will have more trinkets to give out including noise makers and a surprise gift.” 

Like the 2012 parade, bagpipers from Higgins Memorial Home will march and play in the parade. The 2013 parade will also feature Grand Marshals, an irish step dance performance from an area dance school and the Monmouth County Police and Fire Pipe and Drum Corp.

According to Newman, anyone interested in marching in the parade is welcome to and anyone born on March 17 can march as the Grand Marshal in the parade.

“Anyone who wants to be involved can be involved,” said Newman. “This is a fun family event where everyone is encouraged to come out. Last year we had dogs on leashes dressed up in green and had some kids on bikes decked out in green ride along in the parade.”

The only rule for the parade is to be on time. According to Newman, the parade begins at 12:15 p.m. sharp on March 17. The parade will meet at 11:45 a.m. at 51 West Main Street. The parade will begin there and will march until 1 West Main Street.

Currently, the parade is looking for a face painter. Those interested can email Newman at johnfnewman@yahoo.com. Marchers who want to be a Grand Marshal or want to create a float are asked to contact Newman prior to the parade. Stay up to date with the 2013 Freehold St. Patrick's Day Parade by liking the parade on Facebook and by liking the FBAC Facebook page.