The streets of Asbury Park came to life for the tenth annual Saint Patrick’s Day Parade.
Kerri Martin, Grand Marshal
Kerri Martin, Grand Marshal and founder of Second Life Bikes, led the procession of floats from the staging area near Kim Marie’s Eat & Drink Away, along Ocean Avenue to Cookman, and ending at Johnny Mac’s House of Spirits – the presenting sponsor and official home of Asbury Park’s Saint Patrick’s Day Parade.
“The parade committee thought Kerri would be a good choice. She has an ability to build the community and bring people together. It’s all tied into Second Life Bikes” said Garrett Giberson, founder and president of parade committee.
Giberson particularly pointed out the free Second Life Bikes program where kids 12 to 18 years old can work for 15 hours on repairing and fixing bicycles or doing other chores around the Second Life Bikes shop. Then they get to choose and keep their own bike.
The parade committee thought Kerri would be a good choice. She has an ability to build the community and bring people together.
Garrett Giberson
Crowds lining the streets were serenaded by a cacophony of sounds from the Pipes and Drums of the Jersey Shore Shillelagh Marching Band, Jared Clemons on The Stone Pony Float, Billie Walters Band on the Light of Day Float, and many others. All together there were 70 floats, fire trucks. and old fashioned bicycles.
Mark Mastowski, band leader for the Pipes and Drums, attended the Cross & Orange after-party where he and his fellow pipers kicked off the Craic (Irish for Party). He shared his thoughts on cultural values and the community. “I feel it’s important to share Irish culture through our music, but it is also a way of giving back to the community. In addition to piping and drumming for the Belmar, Seaside, Asbury, Keansburg, Keyport parades, and North Myrtle Beach S.C., Pipes and Drums play at schools and charity events all year round. Last year, we raised around eighty grand.”
I feel it’s important to share Irish culture through our music, but it is also a way of giving back to the community. Last year, we raised around eighty grand.
Mark Mastowski
The Poc Fada
The Poc Fada, a traditional Irish band with a contemporary sound, was next to perform. Lead singer Steve Reilly, led James Dalton, Chris Russo and Steve DeVito in some pub favorites such as ‘What do you do with a Drunken Sailor’ and ‘Never Say Never Again’.
Reilly said that The Poc Fada has been playing at the after party for five years now. “Every year it’s over-the-top fun.” He was born and raised in Dublin. His daughter Ruby, aged 7, helps him open the set.
As a singer and songwriter, Reilly is authentic. “We also do fundraisers,” he said. “Tomorrow, we are playing at the BMW in Fort Monmouth to benefit the No Limits Café in Middletown.”
Johnny Mac’s House of Spirits
The Poc Fada had the crowd stomping, clapping and singing along. Patron Geraldo Ramos said, “I love the music and food. It’s nice to come out and be part of the community.”
Later, at Johnny Mac’s House of Spirits, more music and dancing followed with dozens of revelers packing all three levels of the popular bar, keeping the bartenders busy all night long.
Sam Afendoulis and friends found a cozy spot on the middle deck to take in the scene. The highlight of the day for Sam, “Definitely the Lakehouse Music Float with little kids singing rock tunes.”
