For The Irish, And Irish At Heart

When Irish eyes are smiling, sure ‘tis like a morn in spring. And they’ll be smiling all month long as green and gold and four-leaf clovers flood the East End streets of local St. Patrick’s Day parades.

The nation’s shortest parade, the Am O’Gansett Parade, is set to begin at noon on Saturday, March 14 and you are invited. Revelers gather at the Amagansett Library at 11 AM on Saturday to make buttons and gear up for the grueling march — up the block, say, 100 feet or so, as the leprechauns skip. It’s a short walk, but big fun for all. Cupcake decorating sponsored by the Chamber of Commerce is set to follow.

The Westhampton Beach St. Patrick’s Day Parade, one of the most spirited on Long Island, will also be held Saturday.

This year, the parade will step off from Westhampton Beach Middle School at noon and head down Mill Road toward Sunset Avenue, hook right, and end at the firehouse. The theme for the 2020 parade, sponsored by Bridgehampton National Bank, is “love local.” This year’s grand marshal is Preston Jankowski.

Saturday March 14, will be a chance for Springs residents to eat the Holy Food of St. Patrick — corned beef and cabbage. A traditional dinner of the good stuff, with soda bread plus a beverage, can be purchased for $24 at the Springs Community Presbyterian Church on Old Stone Highway. Takeout is available. For more information, call 631-324-4791. The party begins at 4:30 PM and runs through 7:30 PM.

The Riverhead Lions Club is also hosting a corned beef and cabbage dinner in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day at the Riverhead Polish Hall on March 14 at 6 PM. Enjoy food, a 50/50 raffle, bagpipe music, and a performance by award-winning Irish step dancers.

The Cutchogue-New Suffolk Chamber of Commerce — now a part of the North Fork Chamber of Commerce — in conjunction with the Cutchogue Fire Department, will host a parade at 2 PM Saturday. It’s the 16th consecutive year of the celebration. David Gamberg, superintendent of Southold and Greenport schools, is this year’s grand marshal.

On Sunday March 15, the Center Moriches St. Patrick’s Day Parade will begin at 1 PM.

The mother of them all, the Montauk St. Patrick’s Day Parade, will be held Sunday, March 22, beginning at noon.

The parade will run up Edgemore Road and turn onto Main Street past the green and go up to the IGA market. Master of ceremonies Rick White will review the floats. Call the Friends of Erin at 631-668-1578 with any questions.

The annual Jamesport St. Patrick’s Day Parade won’t be until March 30. The route begins at North Railroad Avenue and Washington Avenue at 1 PM and heads to the fire department. The grand marshal is Joseph Grattan Sr. and an after-party will be held at The Vineyards at Aquebogue.

karen@indyeastend.com