On Saturday, March 14, North Wildwood—home to the biggest Irish festival in the United States—will officially kick off the 2009 season with a festive St. Patrick’s Day parade that will feature music, bands, floats, and plenty of Irish fun.
“North Wildwood is very proud of its Irish heritage, and we’re anxious to get the spring season started in our resort,” said North Wildwood Mayor Bill Henfey. “We’re very happy to present a big St. Patrick’s Day parade that will appeal to all ages, and both visitors and our locals.”
The big day will begin on the steps of the North Wildwood City Hall at 10th and Atlantic Avenues in North Wildwood with a greeting by Mayor Henfey, American, and Irish National Anthems, an invocation by Monsignor Fitzsimmons, a Pledge of Allegiance, and various remarks.
The parade begins at 11:30 a.m. Participants will begin lining up at 11 a.m., and the parade will march northbound from 10th and Atlantic avenues to Olde New Jersey Avenue, and then conclude at Spruce Avenue.
Two grand marshals were selected for this year’s parade: Nancy McDonald, and Ronald McClane. A retired Philadelphia Police Captain, McClane passed away in February and will be represented by his family in this year’s parade.
“It’s unfortunate that the McClane family and the city, have lost Ron this year,” Henfey said. “We know he is in a better place, and North Wildwood is proud to honor Ron with his family’s participation in this year’s parade.”
McClane moved to North Wildwood in 2008 and worked for the North Wildwood Police Department as a Code Enforcement Officer. He was a veteran of the United States Army, a member of both the Cape May County AOH and the Cape May County Emerald Society, and an active member of local Elks and Moose lodges.
He is survived by his wife, Linda and three children: Ronald, Kim, and Kelly.
The participants in this year’s North Wildwood St. Patrick’s Day Parade include: Emerald Society Color Guard, Wildwood Pipe and Drum, AOH organization and AOH ladies, Cape May County Emerald Society, St. Ann’s Cheerleaders, Duffy String Band, Anglesea Irish Society, Daisy’s, Miss North Wildwood Delia Cannon, Wildwood Catholic High School Cheerleaders, Knights of Columbus Color Guard, Kazoo Band, stilt walkers, Boy Scouts of America, Jeannie Johnson boat, Margaret Mace Elementary School Band, North Wildwood Lifeguard Boat, VFW #5941, Richard Teitelman School Band, and North Wildwood fire trucks.
North Wildwood’s mayor and city council will also participate in this year’s parade.
Ed O’Melia has been invited to sing both the American and Irish national anthems at the event.
The Pledge of Allegiance will be conducted by Yvonne McRory-Kukielka, the president of the Ladies AOH.
AOH Vice President Dan Bosak will be in attendance, along with Chuck Meissler, the president of the Cape May County Emerald Society.
Visit www.northwildwood.com for more details.
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