NORTH WILDWOOD — Here’s a sign of spring to warm you up: North Wildwood’s famous St. Patrick’s Day Parade will bring its music and laughter back to Atlantic Avenue March 15.
Every year, the organizers tell us it’s bigger and better. Guess what they’re saying today. Yes! More bands, more Irish community groups, more dignitaries—and way more fun!
It all begins with a special program at 11:30 a.m. on the steps of City Hall, 901 Atlantic Avenue. Mayor Patrick Rosenello will welcome everyone, and Rev. Joseph Wallace of Notre Dame de la Mer Parish will offer the invocation.
Both the Irish and American National Anthems will be sung and there will be a ceremonial raising of the Irish Flag by North Wildwood Police and Fire officers.
Then at noon the parade steps off and proceeds up Atlantic Avenue to Olde New Jersey avenue.
Better take a lawn chair because it’s going to be a long one!
Local Irish groups: The Emerald Society, Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Ladies AOH, Irish Pipe Brigade, 2nd Street Irish Society Pipes and Drums, and the Anglesea Irish Society will march.
The replica of the Jeannie Johnston boat that transported Irish immigrants to the shores of the USA will be there, accompanied by the local Boy Scouts of America.
The VFW Post 3509, Knight of Columbus, and North Wildwood’s Police and Fire Departments will be represented, and our Beach Patrol will provide a Lifeguard Boat.
Look for Wildwood Catholic and Cape Trinity cheerleaders, Wildwood High School and Margaret Mace school bands, and the Sheriff’s Mounted Patrol.
And there’ll be more music: Gloucester City String Band and North Wildwood’s own Duffy String band.
Miss North Wildwood Maureen Hennessey will grace one of the snazziest convertibles in town.
And there’s even more. Just come out Saturday and see for yourself!