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2005 Belmar Saint Patrick's Day Parade more photos>>>
Belmar History 2000 to 2002 (additional history of the Belmar Parade click here) 2000 In the year 2000 Grand Marshall Bill O'Connell, a retired Jersey City Police Sergeant from Wall, and Deputy Grand Marshal Sharon Dey, Belmar's Deputy Borough Clerk from Belmar led some 4500 marchers on as unseasonable 55 degree day …. Drawing an estimated 225,000 spectators. 2001 The 2001 Parade was headed by the well known Kelly Brothers, Ed and Kevin, owners of the famous landmark tavern, Kelly's of Neptune City and by well known Irish Activist Florence Sheehan C0-Grand Marshals and Deputy Grand Marshal respectively. Nor since 1875 has the Parade had two Grand Marshals, when Belmar Mayor, John Taylor and South Belmar Mayor Clarence Reed shared this Honor. Ed lives in Neptune and Kevin in Neptune City. Florence resides in Belmar. 2002 Parade committee president Jerry Lynch will once again sing the Irish and American National Anthems at the parade's start which sets the tone and theme for the parade and the rest of the day. Popular Freeholder and Past Grand Marshal Tom Powers will be parade commentator. Tom is also a parade committee member. According to parade chairman Dave Stanley, this year's parade will number over 4000 marchers and 35 or more bands including 16 bagpipe bands.. Awards will be designated for various categories in the line of march including, once again, a designer Waterford trophy for best bagpipe band donated by Waterford Crystal of Ireland. Dave states that this parade keeps right on growing each year and he expects a turn-out of over 200,000 spectators. Let's hope Dave is right. Nothing is so stirring or thrilling as a grand parade on that grand Sunday when Belmar and South Belmar, each year for one brief, shinning day (God willing), are transformed into an Irish "Glocca Morra"....when F Street becomes a mystical, magical canyon surrounded on both sides by green-bedecked revelers....the canyon itself alive with thousands of marchers, bagpipers, drummers, woodwinds, brass, twirlers, cheerleaders, clowns, acrobats, mummers, drum majors and majorettes, clergy, politicians, dignitaries, officials, militia, flags, pennants, floats, beauty queens and their ladies-in-waiting. This is a day that God has bestowed upon us; when Irishmen forget their troubles; when they gather with their friends to honor their patron, St. Patrick, and their God. Good luck you Irish....have a great day....and a great parade!. |
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