You don’t have to be Irish to enjoy the St. Patrick’s day parade! This Saturday, March 4 at 1 p.m., thousands will pack Washington Street for the annual parade. So get out your green and get ready to celebrate at one of Hoboken’s premier seasonal events!
The parade
This is the 19th year for the parade. It is held a few weeks earlier than the parade in New York on St. Patrick’s Day so that there isn’t a conflict with scheduling bands. The parade starts at 1 p.m. on 14th and Washington and ends at City Hall.
There will be 14 bands, seven groups of bagpipers performing, and three floats.
This year’s grand marshall is Charles “Buddy” Matthews, who lives in Hoboken with his wife and daughter. Matthews is a Hoboken High School teacher and baseball coach. As coach, he has brought the team to four county, three state, and seven conference championship games.
To help with the duties are the Irishman and woman of the year. Rosie O’Shea Grogan, Hoboken resident, is Irishwoman of the Year. Grogan was a Hoboken Post Office employee for 35 years.
Joseph T. Kennedy was named Irishman of the Year. Kennedy was a Hoboken firefighter for 31 years, a Korean War Veteran, and served in the United States Air Force. He is currently the assistant curator of the Hoboken Fire Department Museum.
There will be many local politicians including: Gov. Corzine, U.S. Sen. Menendez, State Sen. Bernie Kenny and Mayor David Roberts.
In addition, members of the Hoboken Police and Fire Department will be marching. Other organizations marching this year: The New Jersey National Guard, The American Legion, The Hoboken Ski Club, The Hoboken Dog Club, Hoboken High School’s First Responders, and The Elks Club.
The organizers
The Hoboken St. Patrick’s Parade Committee was started 20 years ago by the late Edward Cunning Sr. Originally the group was called, “Helen Cunning & Friends.” It is still organized by members of the Cunning family who have recently partnered with the Hoboken Hospitality Association.
“After all this time, I still love this time of year,” said Helen Cunning, member of the parade committee. “I am so grateful for those that came out to support our fundraiser last week and the special Irish Mass celebrated every year at Our Lady of Grace. I look forward to honoring Coach Matthews, Rosie Grogan, and Joe Kennedy, all very special people at our very special parade.”
The bars
If you haven’t ever experienced Hoboken’s parade day, then be warned: it is the busiest bar and business day of the year in Hoboken. Most bars will reward your wait with green beer and bagpipers who make their way into the bars along Washington Street after the parade for a repeat performance.
But that also means that you should plan on getting a spot along the route well before noon.
And be prepared: it is crowded wherever you go.
There are lines to get into the bars, in convenience stores, and fast food restaurants.
Don’t make the novice’s mistake of thinking that it will be less crowded down the street. On St. Patrick’s Day in Hoboken, there is no such thing! But if you are willing to wait, your patience will be rewarded. Celebrate at Hudson County’s biggest party of the year!