If you have never attended a Montauk Friends of Erin St. Patrick’s Day Parade you are missing out on something special. Every east ender should sample the pure piece of “Americana” that this parade surely is at least once. The parade will be held on Sunday March 27, 2022, starting at noon. Beware – attendance is usually around 40,000 folks. Plan on driving into Montauk before 10:30.
This year’s Grand Marshal is Marilyn Behan. She will be the 60th Grand Marshal. Her late husband, John Behan, was the 19th Grand Marshal back in 1979. John Behan’s dad, Lester Behan, was the 13th Grand Marshal in 1975. John was actually the first son of a Grand Marshal to also serve as Grand Marshal.
The parade was started in 1963 and now is celebrating its 60th year. In 1963, JFK was still alive and the President. That year Mike Egan was chosen by “the original 12” (the title given to the 12 individuals who created the annual Montauk Friends of Erin Parade) to be the first Grand Marshal. Mike was a retired NYC policeman who lived in the Shepherd’s Neck section of Montauk. Former East Hampton Police Chief Ed Ecker fondly remembered him as “A man who always walked around Fort Pond followed by lots of dogs.”
This year’s parade is aiming to be a return of the huge fanfare. The parade was originally marched east to west, not west to east like it has been for the last 34 years. Starting at noon, right at the LIRR Montauk station, the parade will wend its way east to a viewing stand on the quad in the heart of the village. Hundreds of Long Island firemen, along with numerous historical fire trucks from all over Long Island, will march.
The sounds of the bagpipes and marching bands along with drum corps will be heard. This along with the colorful floats, dignitaries and other surprises makes the Montauk parade a colorful and unique full family experience. Usually, the U.S. Coast Guard Helicopter does a cool flyby.
Folks on floats throw beads, candies, and other surprises into the huge, cheering crowds that line the path of the parade. Chances are if you live on the east end, you will know someone in the parade. The shoutouts, the waves, and the smiles are all part of the show. In the end, after you experience the parade you understand why Montauk is the most unique hamlet on Long Island.
There is a tradition of purchasing a commemorative ceramic mug in front of Montauk Chamber of Commerce that entitles the purchaser to one mug of hot local clam chowder! Many locals have mug collections going back years.
There will multitudes wearing green. Some folks dye their hair green; others paint their faces green with glitter. Many attendees arrive early to get great spots to BBQ or picnic with tables and beach chairs. The streets are lined with both locals and visitors. Children cheer as parents smile – it is that kind of a day.
Usually there is tremendous safety support from Local Town and Village Police along with State Troopers, Park Police, and Rangers. Afterwards there are live bands and open pubs along with the usual Montauk fanfare.
Every year it is amazing how quickly and efficiently 40,000 people show up, assemble, then take their orderly leave. The East Hampton Police shine.
For more info, visit montaukfriendsoferin.org
