Hoboken often seems to do things a little differently. Mayoral elections are more physical than a Mike Tyson/Evander Holyfield match, parking spots are more precious than a flawless four leaf clover, and St. Patrick’s Day always falls a little early. Rather than celebrate the holiday with the rest of world – and compete with the New York City parade – Hoboken will host its parade this Saturday, March 2.
The parade kicks off at 1 p.m. on the corner of 14th and Washington streets. Leading the procession will be Hudson County Freeholder and Hoboken resident, Maurice Fitzgibbons,
"It’s become one of the great events of the city as well as the county, and is one of the best parades in the state," Fitzgibbons said last week. "In all of my public career, this is quite possibly the biggest honor that I have received. I’m looking forward to it because it puts my family name into the historic anneals of the city."
The parade will also feature dozen of bands, including five of the northeast’s best bagpipe groups, four high school bands and several fife-and-drum troupes. Representatives from city and area fire and police departments, including one fire company from New York City, will join the bands.
Also marching in this year’s parade will be Irish Woman of the Year Sister Mary Fallon, the principal of the Academy of the Sacred Heart, which is currently in its 50th year of service. Joining Fallon will be Donald "Red" Barrett, who will be serving as this year’s Irishman of the Year. A lifelong Hoboken resident, Barrett has made many friends in the mile-square city.
When the procession is over, the city’s Irish bars will be overflowing with corned beef and cabbage and pints of Guinness. Erin Go Bragh! q
The City of Hoboken’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be held on Saturday, March. 2. The parade begins at 14th and Washington streets at 1 p.m. and ends at a reviewing stand in front of City Hall.