Second annual St. Patrick’s Day parade to be bigger, better, greener

The second annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be held on Sunday, March 16 and can you believe that it will be bigger, better, greener, and with even more Irish (Irisher) than last year’s parade? Joe Dooley and Jenny Gagnon, the parade’s organizers, promise it will be. This dynamic duo planned last year’s parade and were absolutely astonished when about 3,000 people attended. This year they expect 5,000 people. Last year they had 40 units marching (trucks, cars, floats, etc.). This year they have 80 units registered.

In addition to the two marching bands at last year’s parade (The Penn York Highlander Band and the Black Diamond Pipe and Drum Band), this year’s will also have the Broome Street Band and the Wallenpaupack High School Marching Band. There will be enhanced security this year with state police and more local police, plus other security under the direction of Milford Police Chief Matt McCormack, one of the hosts. Carly Longhenry, from Davis R. Chant Realty, will also be one of the hosts. And the Pike County Chamber of Commerce is the administrative organizer of the group.

Dooley said, “I look forward to this parade to celebrate my Irish heritage and all the contributions the Irish Americans have given to our country.”

Gagnon, noting that everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day, added, “It is a day for coming together with the community and perhaps bringing people together rather than dividing them.” Both Dooley and Gagnon would agree, It’s more than just green beer.

The parade will start at Ann Street Park on Fifth Street, then go left on West Harford, left onto Broad Street, right onto High Street and will end at St. Patrick’s Church. The main action will be along Broad Street. This year’s grand marshals will be Bernadette and Brian O’Donnell, who emigrated from Donegal, but are long-time Milford residents. They raised their children here and have volunteered in the community and through St. Patrick’s Church for years.

Sparked by the enthusiasm of last year’s parade, the entire town will be laying out the green welcome mat. The parade starts at 2 p.m., but judging by last year’s crowd, it is best to get there early because the streets will be very crowded, and some streets will be closed to vehicle traffic. Milford Beach will have free parking, with a shuttle to take people to La Posada on Second Street. Milford Hospitality Group (MHG) will be running its open air trolley to transport people from La Posada to The Jive block party on Catharine Street. MHG is offering preferred parking, bleacher seating, porch seating, and a St. Paddy’s swag bag along with any March 15 bookings at any of their hotels (The Tom Quick, The Fauchere, and La Posada.)

Many restaurants and stores will be open as early as 10 or 11 a.m., providing Irish fare and entertainment. Jem Screen Printing will be selling St. Paddy’s Day T-shirts, mugs, and other souvenirs, and they urge people to pre-order or get there early.

St. Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church (200 East High Street) will be celebrating Mass at 11 a.m. and all are welcome.

Catharine Street will be closed to traffic and Lucky Lounge — Jive’s pop-up bar — will be serving in the street. It will be one massive Irish block party. Bleachers will be set up in front of the Fauchere and the Fauchere’s porch will become the reviewing stand and the place for local politicians and dignitaries. Judges Jack Boyle, Patrick Riley, and Barbara Tarquinio will be bestowing awards in three categories: Best Commercial Float, Best Private Float, and Most Irish Spirit.

The Milford St. Patrick’s Day Parade is becoming a major community event and a celebration of people coming together.