Description

Signature Irish-themed Events Celebrate Celtic Culture, Raise Funds for
2020 St. Patrick’s Day Parade Beneficiary Stephy’s Place

More than 4,000 people are expected to line up along River Road in Rumson to witness the area’s signature St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 8, 2020. Held since 2013, the Rumson St. Patrick’s Day Parade festivities kick off in February with a series of family-friendly events that culminate in the Parade, featuring bagpipe bands, floats, marching bands from area high schools, Irish Step Dancers, antique and classic cars, veteran groups, scouting organizations, non-profit clubs and organizations, schools, novelty acts, and local and area business and civic groups.

Funds raised from the Parade Committee’s fall golf outing, winter activities, corporate sponsorships, donations and Parade ad journal have supported local charities that benefit the community. This year’s Parade benefits Stephy’s Place, A Support Center Grief and Loss that provides free support groups for anyone losing a loved one.

“Every year the Committee works very hard to bring this family-friendly parade to Rumson, not only to celebrate the Irish heritage in our community but also to support local charities,” says Jamie McManus. “Everyone needs help when experiencing loss and we are grateful that this year we can help Stephy’s Place continue its work to  provide free support for anyone losing a loved one.”

Grand Marshall John Keegan, Charles Edison Fund Chairman and President and life- long Rumson resident, will step off the parade at Allen Street and River Road at 1:00 p.m. and process through Rumson along River Road for approximately one and a half miles, ending at the intersection of Carton Street and Forrest Avenue.

Spring into Irish Events

Area residents can purchase commemorative Parade gear at Cups and Cakes in Rumson. Residents can also participate in a series of community events and activities that lead up to the parade to celebrate the community’s Irish-American heritage including:

• Irish Soda Bread Competition: Thursday, February 20, 2020, 7:00 pm,
  Oceanic Free Library
• Student Poster Contest: Entries due February 20, 2020, Oceanic Free Library
• Student Essay Contest: Entries due February 26, 2020, Oceanic Free Library or
  RFH Main Office
• Victory Park Green Tree Lighting: Sunday, March 1, 2020, Dusk
• Shamrock Celebration Party, Friday March 6, 2020 7:00 pm, Surf BBQ (Suggested donation of $100)
• Parade Day: Sunday March 8, 2020, 1:00 pm
• Parade Contest Awards Ceremony, Thursday, March 27, 2020, 7:30 pm,
  Val’s Tavern

All event information will be posted on the Rumson St. Patrick’s Day Parade website and social media pages (@Rumsonst.pats).

The Rumson St. Patrick’s Day Parade (@Rumsonst.pats) celebrates Irish heritage and provides charitable gifts to local organizations improving our community. To date the Parade has provided more than $150,000 in support to over 22 local organizations that also strongly believe in the spirt of giving.  Thanks to the generosity of local businesses, individuals donors, corporate sponsors, participants and volunteers, The Rumson St. Patrick’s Day Parade is a community event that will continue to give back for decades to come.