St. Pat’s Committee prepares for ‘biggest Bay Ridge parade’

It’s almost here. In preparation for the annual Bay Ridge Saint Patrick’s Day Parade to be held on March 24, the parade board and committee members held their annual dinner dance at the Dyker Beach Golf Course on Saturday, March 1.

Music, food and drinks were provided as the crowd honored members of the community who will play an integral role in the upcoming parade, as the grand marshal and deputy marshals.

“The event was just a way to celebrate the honorees that will be marching. They received plaques and the dinner dance was held in their honor,” said Frankie Marra, who has served as president of the parade board for two years.

The honorees were chosen based on their Irish community involvement along with their commitment to make Bay Ridge a better place. “Law enforcement and nurses have been honored. We’ve had Iraqi and Afghanistan soldiers honored as well,” said Marra.

Entertainment provided throughout the evening included the Clann Eireann Pipe Band, The Canny Brothers Band and the Donny Golden School of Irish Dance.

Attendees responded favorably to the event. “We were sold out. We had 360 people (in attendance). It’s just a great kickoff to let people know the parade is three weeks away. Elected officials and just about everyone was there,” said Marra. “It was one of the biggest and best events we ever had.”

The highlights of the evening included a touching speech by NYPD Chief of Transit Joseph Fox, the parade’s grand marshal. “He gave a heartfelt speech on how he wanted to be in the police force growing up,” Marra stated.

Excitement is in the air for this year’s parade which will include new additions and tributes.

“This will be the biggest parade Bay Ridge has ever seen,” promised Marra. “For the first time, we are going to have floats.” One of those floats will be dedicated to Catholic school education. “Another float will be honoring the Irish family of year, the Moloneys,” said Marra.

For more information on the parade, visit www.bayridgestpatricksday.com. To join the committee, email info@brparade.com.

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