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Ocean County Saint Patrick’s Day Parade History
In 1984, a small group of Irish Americans in Ocean County, Led by Judge Damian Murray, decided to stage their own parade in Seaside Heights, NJ (Land of Sun & Fun).
Their simple philosophy was to have the most entertaining & well organized parade in the State of New Jersey.
With financial help from the Freeholders of Ocean County & the Jersey Shore Irish American Club and although the operating budget was only $3,000.00. The 1st parade was a Huge Success with over 50,000 attending.
By 2002 the budget was approximately $38,500.00 with most of funds going to pay the expense of the 20 plus bands.
The Parade was honored in 1997, when Business Events Magazine named it near the top of the list of the top 200 events in the United States by, and a theme song was written for the parade.
By 2007 the Ocean County Observer reported approximately 70,000 spectators.
In 2009 was the 25th Anniversary of the Parade.
The 2010 Parade was dedicated to the Wounded Warrior Project
The 2011 Parade is dedicated to Saint Patrick - Himself. A record crowd!
Meetings are held Monthly, Starting in September . Bi-Monthly Meetings by the Board of Director's and budget reports by our Treasurer.
The well organized unpaid volunteers, led by Parade Coordinator since it’s inception, John J. Sweeney of Lavallette, NJ has used the same simple philosophy for nearly 25 years:
- Limit the Parade to 2 hours
- No Gaps
- No Politics
- A Dignified, but Fun Event
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