North Wildwood’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade

NORTH WILDWOOD – Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day is always a highlight of this City’s special events, but this year will be special indeed. The entire month of March has been proclaimed Irish-American Heritage Month in North Wildwood. So, when March 17 rolls around, the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade will be the largest ever, with more dignitaries, community groups, and Irish music than ever!
It all begins with a special program at 11:30 a.m. on the steps of City Hall, 901 Atlantic Avenue. First Mayor Bill Henfey will welcome everyone, and then Rev. Joe Wallace of Notre Dame de la Mer Parish will offer the invocation.
Two representatives from Wildwood Catholic High School will be Grand Marshals: Trevor Cooper, Wildwood Catholic Student Council Executive Board member, and Tony DeGatano, Dean of Academics. They will each say a few words on behalf of WCHS.
Both the Irish and American National Anthems will be sung by Dolly McGee. There will be a ceremonial raising of the Irish Flag by North Wildwood Police and Fire officers.
The program will conclude with a Benediction by Rev. Michael Field of Notre Dame de la Mer Parish.
Then at noon the parade steps off with The North Wildwood Police leading, followed closely by V.F.W. 5941 Color Guard.
The Parade will feature local chapters of the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH), the Ladies AOH, the Emerald Society with its Honor Guard, the Knights of Columbus, and the Anglesea Irish Society.
In the younger category, the Brownies and Daisies will march, and Miss North Wildwood 2011 Grace Lederer will be on hand, as well.
There’ll be plenty of music provided by the Atlantic City Pipe and Drum, Duffy String Band, Gloucester City String Band, and school bands from Wildwood High School, and Margaret Mace schools. There’ll also be cheerleaders from Cape Trinity and Wildwood Catholic.
North Wildwood’s Fire Department will provide the requisite fire trucks, while our Beach Patrol will provide a Lifeguard Boat.
Mayor Henfey said, “It’s perfect that this year’s parade will be longer and better than ever, since we’re celebrating the first Irish-American Heritage Month in North Wildwood.”