Fun Fact: The first recorded St. Patrick’s Day parade took place in New York City in 1762. It was made up of servicemen of Irish heritage returning from abroad and the growing number of Irish immigrants coming to the region. The tradition didn’t make its way back to the motherland until 1903.
Parades in other cities branched out from that first NYC celebration with the largest parades in recent history being in Chicago, Boston, Philadelphia and Cleveland.
Another Fun Fact: The Ohio parade, that’s been around since 1842, is always on March 17, no matter the day of the week it falls on. I can confirm this because it was a traditional “cut day” at my Catholic high school in Bedford. Sorry Father Cabrita.
Atlantic City opts to have their parade the weekend before the big day.
This makes sense in our resort town. As having it on St. Patrick’s Day would prevent sponsors and local business proprietors from being at their venues on a busy day of the year for tourists.
Having it the week before gets everyone in the mood. Another concession Atlantic City makes for its workers is the infamous Bag Day at The Irish Pub.
More Fun Facts: Our front-of-house workers obviously miss out on the revelry because ... somebody has to pour the green beer.
So every March 18, workers join leftover leprechauns from the day before (who wear paper bags on their heads to hide their hangovers) for Bag Day. But more on that next week. (Note the aforementioned two parts.)
The first St. Patrick’s parade on the Atlantic City Boardwalk was in 1986. It has only been canceled twice in its history. With the only hiatus being during the recent pandemic.
On Saturday, a staggering 112 walkers, bands, trams, Mummers and grand marshals will make their way down a two-mile stretch of Boardwalk in the 36th annual parade. The event is rain or shine.
It will be canceled only in the event of an epic weather event that would risk public safety.
“If there is not a monsoon, we’re marching”, said one of the parade committee members at their final meeting I attended on Wednesday.
The parade is put on by a 12-person volunteer committee made up of local community members. They work tirelessly for months to make the march happen.
The city owes a big thank you to Cathy Burke, Scott Evans, Tim Friel, Jon Henderson, Jamie Hoagland, Denise and Dan Gallagher, Tim Kelly, Sonny McCullough, PJ McGettigan, Jack McGowan and Trish Mooney. These names should not be unfamiliar to you if you live in Atlantic City, as they all turn up at charity events, are involved in service organizations, and care about the city and its success.
The Atlantic City St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a nonprofit event and 501-C3 certified. Funds needed for production came through marquee sponsors, donations and a unique raffle.
Last Saturday 250, $100 raffle tickets, purchased by generous souls in the area were put in a drum for one lucky winner to be awarded a once-in-a-lifetime trip to Ireland!
The drawing was streamed live from the Irish Pub. And Leprechaun John, pulled a ticket from a man who bought the last five tickets available for purchase. He will enjoy a seven-night excursion and the knowledge that he helped put on the parade.
Things to look out for are not one but two grand marshals: Actor and brewery owner Kelsey Grammer and local philanthropic owner of Maynard’s Cafe in Margate, Steve Troiano.
Grammer has been seen of late hanging out at area establishments and was even in our 2023 Christmas parade. He has been very generous with his time to all his fans.
Troiano not only contributes to the economy, but he also holds fundraisers throughout the year to benefit the community.
Thanks for all you do, fellas.
Don’t miss the brigades of Mummers and string bands for those of you from Philly who will be gracing the Boardwalk. Be sure to stretch before they get to you and have those umbrellas out so you can show us your strut! Plus you know there are going to be bagpipers, and candy sailing from floats for kids to collect.
Several measures are in place to ensure the parade is organized, guarded and enjoyable for all.
Thanks to the collaborative effort between the city of Atlantic City and South Jersey Transportation Association.
This is expected to be the biggest parade yet. So travel light, wear comfy shoes and dress for the weather!
Don’t forget that if you unexpectedly get called into work, wake up with the sniffles or get a flat tire.
The entire parade will be on a live stream with narration by yours truly and local event producer Leslie Jespersen via BreakingAC or the parade’s Facebook page.
Get answer to all of your questions at https://www.acstpatricksdayparade.com/. T
Saturday is a day to celebrate Irish heritage and to contribute to the positive economic impact on local businesses in the off-season. So get out there and enjoy!
If you have a great time at the parade, it’s never too early to get involved for next year. If you are interested in supporting the cause, contact the committee at StPatricksParadeAC@gmail.com.
(Michelle Tomko is the entertainment editor at Breaking AC. She is a classically trained performer with a BFA in fine arts, is a five-time winner of Atlantic City Weekly’s Nightlife Award for “Best Comedian”, a North to Shore grantee and a Stories of Atlantic City Arts fellow. And, no, she’s not Irish.)
