The Bay Ridge Saint Patrick’s Day Parade committee held its 24th annual dinner dance on Saturday, March 4 at Dyker Beach Golf Course to celebrate the upcoming 2017 parade and this year’s marshals and honorees.
Over 300 people attended the event, which featured bagpipers and a performance by Donnie Golden Irish Step dancers. Local favorite, the Brooklyn-based Canny Brothers Band, played to an enthusiastic crowd who enjoyed a great meal and danced in between courses. They kept the spirit up all night long.
Each year, the evening recognizes the parade marshals and Irish Family of the Year. This year’s honorees range from community activists and volunteers to educators and more, all who have given back to Bay Ridge.
The parade’s Grand Marshall in Rev. Msgr. Kieran Harrington, vicar for communications for the Diocese of Brooklyn.
The Deputy Marshals are: Brian Xuereb (AOH Division 12), Kevin Anderson (FDNY), Christopher Byrne (co-owner, The Pour House), Brendan Lally (President, IRL Systems Inc.), Mary Molloy Donnelly (LAOH Division 22), Kelly MacLellan Byrnes (community and parade volunteer), Fran Gillen (community volunteer) and Kristen Hayes (Dean of Students, Xaverian High School).
Irish Family of the Year is the Horan Family, who won an essay contest, and will be featured on a float during the parade.
Local leaders were also in attendance including State Senator Marty Golden and City Councilmember Vincent Gentile.
President of the Bay Ridge Saint Patrick’s Day committee, Linda Gallagher-Lomanto said, “The 24th Annual Dinner Dance was a night filled with family, friends and the best of what Bay Ridge has to offer. It was one of the best dinner dances we have thrown in years. All you saw were smiles and heard laughter throughout the night.”
The Bay Ridge Saint Patrick’s Day Parade will be held on Sunday, March 26 at 1 p.m., starting at Marine Avenue and Third Avenue.