Seaside Heights Set For Belated St. Patrick's Day Parade

Toms River NJ

01 April, 2022

12:29 PM

Description

SEASIDE HEIGHTS, NJ — Seaside Heights will be teeming with lots of green Saturday as revelers finally get their Irish on for the Ocean County St. Patrick's Day parade. The parade originally was scheduled for March 12 but postponed when the weather forecast called for heavy rain and thunderstorms. Parade officials, however, weren't willing to go another year without the parade, after the 2021 parade was canceled because of the coronavirus pandemic, and after some fits and starts, were able to reschedule. Seaside Heights officials are anticipating a large crowd for the parade along the Boulevard. It is scheduled to step off at noon from between I and J streets and travel to Hiering Avenue before the Massed Band gathering at the Hershey Motel, 1415 Boulevard, where the parade committee will present a 40-foot American flag. Paradegoers also are invited to the annual parade Mass that starts at 10 a.m. at Our Lady of Perpetual Help, 100 Grant Ave. The borough also is hosting a marathon that was scheduled before the St. Patrick's Day parade was rescheduled, meaning there could be an even larger crowd in town. Officials are urging people to arrive early to find parking. Be prepared as paid parking began Friday; the meters have been activated, officials said. "We look forward to welcoming thousands of 'Irish for the day' folks Saturday," officials said. "Keep in mind that, with an event this large, it is a good idea to plan your visit ahead. Arrive well in advance of the parade to find the most convenient parking. Plan on visiting one of our establishments celebrating a belated St. Patrick's Day." The parade also falls on the opening weekend for Casino Pier, which will have its amusement rides, miniature golf, go-karts and boardwalk games operating for the season. Other businesses are anticipated to be open for the belated Irish celebration as well. Sign up for Patch alerts and daily newsletters here, or download our app to have breaking news alerts sent right to your phone. Have a news tip? Email [email protected] Follow Toms River Patch on Facebook.