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Community Corner

#66 - Color Yourself Green For Irish Day

The bagpipes will be calling Saturday as Long Beach welcomes the Ancient Order of Hibernians' 22nd annual parade and festival.

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Tennille-Lynn Millo, Neighbor
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St. Brendan the Navigator will paint the city green on Oct. 1, as the Ancient Order of Hibernians Long Beach Division 17 bring their annual parade and festivities to the West End, #66 of Patch's 100 Things To Do In Long Beach series. 

Welcoming Irish and non-Irish patrons, the Hibernians, an Irish-American fraternal organization founded in New York City in 1836, puts on a popular festivity that celebrates the heritage and history of the Irish on the first Saturday each October.

Beginning with a morning Mass at 9 a.m. at the Sacred Heart Roman Catholic Church, at 272 Long Beach Rd. in Island Park, the Hibernians will host a proper Irish breakfast at 10 a.m. at Veterans of Foreign Wars Hall, at 675 West Park Avenue, before kicking off their annual parade at 12 p.m.

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"Irish Day is an opportunity to listen to good Irish music, see some Irish dancing and dine either along Beech Street or in one of the many local restaurants that offer food that pleases everybody," said Carol O'Neill, president of the Michelle O'Neill Foundation and a former grand marshal of the parade. "The atmosphere is charged with pride in our heritage and friendship for our neighbors." 

This year’s Grand Marshal, Noreen O'Keefe Costello, will lead the parade starting at Hibernian Plaza, at West Park Avenue and Washington Boulevard, and travel down West Beech Street through the West End.  The parade will feature Irish dancers, bagpipe and school bands, local police and firefighters, and several Long Beach organizations.  

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Afterwards spectators can enjoy the Irish concession stands, games, food, and rides that line West Beech Street. Area bars and restaurants will also be filled with live bands, along with drink and dinner specials. 

So, whether you’re of Celtic stock or just Irish for Irish Day, come out wearing your green and enjoy one of Long Beach's most anticipated annual events.

Category: Community

Cost: Free

Notes: Irish Day is a great day to stock up on Irish relics, so make sure to bring some extra cash.

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