March 2, 2008. The largest St Patrick's Day Parade in the state of New Jersey was held today in Belmar, NJ. With more than 100 participating organizations, 30 bands and 100,000 spectators, it was a grand event.
The parade staging area was just south of the center of Belmar at Lake Como. There was a sea of green along the lake.
This parade was highlighted by the many pipe bands that were very accomplished. This is the first parade where we observed young folks playing in a pipe band. In addition, there was also a good representation of local high school bands.
The look of the Irish.
The street viewers also tried to look green today. While Paddy and I had coats and scarfs, some of the young girls had short sleeve shirts......
What was especially nice was to hear the crowd applaud as our police, firefighters and military groups as they passed in review.
Paddy poses with our friend Matt, who is an Adjutant with the Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh, Belmar Chapter.
Many of the dignitaries rode in nice cars or on floats, even the dog got special treatment. Paddy and I have heard "Big Joe Henry" on the radio and he sure lives up to his name.
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