Press Release 2/9/24, SOUTH AMBOY – The South Amboy Parade Committee, in conjunction with the City of South Amboy are hard at work completing the final preparations for the Sunday, March 17, 2024, St. Patrick’s Day Parade which will begin at 2 pm. Mr. Mickey Gross will serve as Grand Marshal and Ms. Yolanda Flores will serve as Deputy Grand Marshal.
In 1976, South Amboy resident Frank Conley coordinated the first South Amboy St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The parade consisted of one bagpiper, the South Amboy Police, Fire and First Aid Squads and a small group of marchers representing the Frank Conley Association.
Today, a group of volunteers from South Amboy and neighboring towns work diligently to continue this long-standing tradition. The South Amboy St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee (a non-profit 501c3) consists of over 20 volunteers who work tirelessly throughout the year to coordinate this annual event. As a result of their hard work and dedication, The South Amboy St. Patrick’s Day Parade is now one of the biggest family friendly, multicultural events in South Amboy and has become one of the largest parades in the State of NJ featuring more than 20 bands and over 2,000 marchers.
Coordinating an event of this magnitude requires the parade committee to work closely with city administrators, police, fire and EMS personnel to ensure that the residents and visitors are safe before, during and after the parade and that traffic and emergency situations are handled swiftly and securely.
Members of the committee executive board oversee specific tasks related to events held throughout the year. Spearheading efforts are committee co-chairs Mickey Gross and Jay Elliot. Mr. Gross facilitates monthly meetings, works closely with city administrators and heads major fundraising efforts. Jay Elliot, has undertaken the time-consuming task of creating the parade line of march and is on hand parade day to oversee the parade line up before and during the parade as well as the registration and coordination of the Fall Irish Festival.
Jan Williams serves as the committee transportation coordinator enlisting the classic cars seen throughout the parade. Donna Williams acts as the committee events coordinator, overseeing fundraising events, flyer distribution and incoming donations. Marilyn Grecco-Springer volunteers as the committee treasurer obtaining necessary permits, while completing IRS filings and accounting requirements. Karen Chen continually populating the committee Facebook page populating it with photographs, announcements, and information. Jeremiah O’Grady lends his talents as web master updating and managing the parade committee website www.southamnboyparade.com throughout the year highlighting activities, providing parade information, and updating the community of our events.
Barry Rosengarten is the Master of Ceremonies on parade day and lends his insight during event preparation. Yolanda Flores’s shares her expertise designing flyers, invitations and other printed materials as well as acting as Mistress of Ceremonies at large events. Judi Gillingham has been tasked with public relations, ad and press release submissions, and serves as the committee secretary.
It would be remise not to mention and thank the over 14 volunteers from South Amboy and surrounding communities who attend monthly planning meetings throughout the year. Without the assistance of these dedicated individuals the South Amboy Parade Committee would not be able to provide events on such a large scale as the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Fall Festival.
For information on the South Amboy Parade Committee, the March 17th St. Patrick’s Day Parade and our upcoming Hoist-A-Pint Fundraiser please visit www.southamboyparade.com.
