The surest sign that winter is at an end and that summer is right around the corner is when you can’t help but notice the greenery. Along the Jersey Shore, the first signs of greenery are to be found at the many St. Patrick’s Day parades in the region. The parades also mark the reopening of most beach front bars, restaurant’s, and boardwalk attractions. Here are some of the hottest spots for wearing o’ the green on St. Patrick’s Day 2012:
Belmar/Lake Como:
The Belmar parade kicks off the 2012 season on Sunday, March 4 th at 12:30. According to Chip Cavanaugh of Belmar Parade, approximately 100,000 viewers will line the 1¼ mile parade route on Main St. starting at North Blvd. and ending at 7 th Ave. This years festivities will include over 6000 marchers from 20 pipe bands, 5 area High School marching bands, Irish heritage organizations and local civic groups. Grand Marshal John Carr and Grand Deputy Marshal Jane Guild hope to see you there.
Seaside Heights:
The Ocean County St. Patrick’s Day parade is expected to draw over 75,000 viewers to Seaside Heights, according to Dennis Kelly of Seaside’s parade committee. This years festivities will kick off at 12 noon on Saturday, March 10 th (rain date March 17 th ) Over 20 marching bands, pipe and drum bands and mummers will be leading thousands of participants up The Boulevard, 1 block east of the beach, from Porter Ave and concluding at Heiring Ave.
Atlantic City:
The AC parade, on the worlds most famous Boardwalk, is on Saturday, March 10 th at 1:00 (rain or shine). According to Jack McGowan of the AC parade committee, over 100 fife and drum corps (including the award winning AC Fire Department Sandpipers), mummers bands and Irish community organizations will step off at States Ave. for the 2 mile march to Albany Ave.
North Wildwood:
On St. Patrick’s Day, the population of North Wildwood increases by almost 1000% as the community plays host to 20,000 revelers. This years parade is on Saturday, March 17 th , starting at 11:30. The parade route starts at City Hall on Atlantic Ave., continues onto 1 st Ave before concluding at Olde New Jersey Ave. The 30+ entries in the parade are dedicating their march to the members of the local community who worked to preserve Wildwood Catholic High School from closure, according to Joe Quattrone of N. Wildwoods parade coordinator.