Rumson St. Patrick’s Day Parade
BY LORI DRAZ | Photos by Lori Draz, Donnamarie Collins, and the Rumson Parade Committee
28 APRIL 2020 | TheJournalNJ.com
Crowds Gather for the
It was a picture perfect day! Mother Nature sent her Irish blessings
as green-wearing folks of all ages came together for the
The parade has become one of the biggest events of the
year in Rumson, and once again, the colorful spectacle did not
-
tage cars, Irish step dancers, even stilt walkers made for a truly
wonderful afternoon of family fun.
Parade Vice President Christopher Neary did an impressive
job of keeping the parade moving along smoothly and
seamlessly, supplying line-up information to Fair Haven Mayor
This year’s Grand Marshal was lifelong Rumson resident
John Keegan. He is the current chairman and president of the
Charles Edison Fund, established in 1948 by Thomas Alva Edison’s
son as a philanthropic institution dedicated to supporting
medical research, science education and historic preservation.
Keegan is predeceased by his loving wife and best friend,
Diane Quigley Keegan, but surrounded by his four sons, one
New Jersey First Lady Tammy Murphy made a special appearance
on behalf of her husband, Gov. Phil Murphy, who was
recovering from surgery.
Patrick’s Day Parade is to celebrate Irish heritage and provide
charitable gifts to local organizations that improve the Greater
Rumson community. This year’s charity recipient was Stephy’s
Place, a free “safe place” for anyone who has suffered the loss
U.S Congressman Chris Smith sent a letter about this
“St. Patrick’s Day parades across the country are great expressions
of faith, our rich Irish heritage and above all and a
recognition of a saint who transformed Ireland and the world,”
Smith wrote. “Special thanks to Jamie McManus and the Rumson
St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee for providing a way to
honor, revere and praise one of the greatest saints in all of
Christendom.”
Events leading up to the parade include the Irish Soda
Bread Contest, held at the Oceanic Library and the student MJL
Memorial Irish Essay Competition and the Irish Poster Contest.
The essay winners were both from Rumson-Fair Haven High
fourth through eighth grade level was Logan Rettino, a seventh
grader at Forrestdale School. The K through third grade winner
was Teagan Dagostino, a second grader from Deane Porter.
The Journal thanks the Rumson Parade Committee for
welcoming us to the VIP reception, which is a fantastic place to
enjoy the event. If you would like to get one of the best seats
in the house, then get involved with the ninth annual Parade,
The Rumson Parade Committee extends a deep and sincere
thank you to the many sponsors and volunteers and to the
Finally, they look forward to seeing you again next year!
To see more photos, go to TheJournalNJ.com
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