The Lindenhurst St. Patrick’s Parade Committee hosted a “Green Tie” Grand Marshal’s Gala fundraiser to honor its First Parade Grand Marshal, Former U.S. Congressman Peter King, on Saturday, March 5. The lively event, held at Chateau La Mer, was attended by elected officials and dignitaries, parade sponsors, and local supporters.
The Lindenhurst St. Patrick’s Parade, to be held on March 26, will be the first St. Patrick’s Parade in the almost 100-year history of the village. The new event was conceived by Parade Committee Co-Presidents David Crowe, proprietor of Lindenhurst’s Belfast Gastropub, and Lindenhurst Village Trustee RJ Renna. Joining them on the committee are Suffolk County Legislature Presiding Officer Kevin McCaffrey and Committee Secretary Katie Schrader.
The Grand Marshal’s Gala began with an escort for King and his wife Rosemary into the event by the Lindenhurst Fire Department Color Guard and A.O.H. Division 2 Babylon Saffron United Pipe Band. The Pledge of Allegiance was led by Chancellor of the Lindenhurst Knights of Columbus Patrick Corcoran, and a prayer was offered from Our Lady of Perpetual Help R.C.C. Monsignor Joseph DeGrocco. The Irish National Anthem and the U.S. National Anthem were both performed by the evening’s band, Gerry Finlay and The Cara Band. The crowd was then treated to a performance of traditional Irish step dancing by the Mise Eire Irish dancers.
Following, King was honored and recognized for his 14 terms of service in the United States House of Representatives, his invaluable service and support of the Lindenhurst Community over the years, especially in the challenging days during and after 9/11 and Superstorm Sandy, and for his distinct role in helping to negotiate peace in Northern Ireland. Current U.S. Congressman Andrew Garbarino spoke about his predecessor, and NYS State Senator Phil Boyle, Suffolk County Legislator McCaffrey, and Lindenhurst Mayor Michael Lavorata all presented King with proclamations of honor and gratitude.
The Parade Committee then presented King with his official Grand Marshal honors – a traditional Irish Blackthorn walking stick, a Thomand Irish Crystal vase, and for both of the Kings, their official Grand Marshal and Grand “Marshalette” sashes!
Thanks to the support of sponsors, such as Belfast Gastropub, Danaher Wealth Management, Lindenhurst Chamber of Commerce, LogicWebMedia, National Grid, and the Town of Babylon IDA, among many others, the First Annual Lindenhurst St. Patrick’s Parade will see hundreds of Irish pipers, drummers, dancers, local firefighters, scouting troops, fraternal groups, community organizations, businesses, and elected officials march down Wellwood Avenue, through the beautiful, historic Lindenhurst Downtown Business District.
The parade will have an 11 a.m. start on March 26. For more information, visit lindenhurststpatricksparade.org.
For more scene & seen event photos visit longislandpress.com/category/scene-seen.
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