Plans for Rumson's St. Patrick's Day Parade Under Way

521

RUMSON – The plans for the third year of the Rumson St. Patrick’s parade include much of what already has become a tradition in the borough and recognizing the passing of someone who made the parade possible.
As the board of trustees continues to plan for this year’s parade, scheduled for Sunday, March 8, beginning at 1 p.m., it was also coming to terms with the Dec. 31 sudden death of Mike Larkin, a Sea Bright resident and professional event organizer, who volunteered his services and initially got the ball rolling three years ago on establishing what is now an annual event.
At a press conference organizers held on Friday, Jan. 9, at Murphy’s Tavern, 17 Ward Lane, Mayor John Ekdahl told of how Larkin had approached the mayor about doing the parade. And a few months later, “We met and he had all the details,” Ekdahl said.
“I have to say his vision was better than my vision,” the mayor acknowledged of Larkin’s and the board’s work. “Mike and the committee put on a parade that blew us all away in scope and execution.”
Even with the loss of Larkin, “We’re going to be able to step right in and continue this tradition,” with plans to honor Larkin’s memory at this year’s parade, said Dennis Devine, board of trustees president.
The March 9, 2014 event had approximately 900 participants, representing various fire and police departments, organizations, the Boy Scouts and area schools and featured marching bands, floats, Irish step dancers, bagpipers and classic cars and elected officials. Rumson police estimated roughly 7,000 spectators lined the parade route last year, “making it a great day for the Irish tradition and for Rumson,” Devine said last week.
And that number of participants seems about right, for Devine, explaining, “We’re not interested in going over that” number, ensuring the event remains a local, family-oriented one.
Following the first year’s grand marshal Tim McLoone and last year’s Pete Dawkins, this year’s grand marshal is Philip D. Murphy. Murphy is a Middletown resident and former U.S. ambassador to Germany and former Goldman Sachs executive, who has been active in philanthropic efforts and national Democratic politics and fundraising.
Growing up in Boston, Massachusetts, being of Irish heritage has “been a source of pride my whole life,” Murphy said. He believes “The Irish know how to give back” to their communities.
This year’s parade will again feature JoAnn Pileggi, a news reporter for the Fox TV New York affiliate and Fair Haven resident.
The board will be conducting a series of fundraisers, with the first one scheduled from 1 to 5 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 17, at Murphy’s Tavern. A $10 fee will entitle guests to a buffet and entertainment which will include pipers and step dancers. Along with covering the cost of the parade, proceeds are used to assist charities. This year’s charitable recipients are Jason’s Dreams for Kids and Special People United to Ride (S.P.U.R.).
The parade route remains starting at Victory Park, on East River Road and Lafayette Street, and traveling the approximately one mile east to Molly Maguire’s Black Point Inn, 132 East River Road.
For more information about the event for to volunteer visitww.rumsonstpatricksdayparade.org.