Erin Goes Big

St. Patrick’s Day parade season on the East End reaches its climax this weekend, with green-attired marchers and spectators gathering at three sites.

There will be two parades on the Twin Forks on Saturday. The Hampton Bays Hibernians’ 14th annual parade will start at 11 AM and it will be led by Grand Marshal Fergus Scully. Hosted by the Michael Collins Division 11 of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the parade will start at the Hampton Bays Elementary School and end at the Hampton Atrium. Participants will celebrate St. Patrick by highlighting the art, history, culture, and traditions of the Irish, and prizes will be awarded for best float, band, and marching group.

The East End Emerald Society will kick off its 5th annual parade at 1 PM in Jamesport. Starting on the corner of North Railroad Avenue and Washington Avenue, Grand Marshal Sean Walter will lead the parade to its conclusion at the Jamesport Fire Department. All are welcome.

Also on Saturday, Montauk Friends of Erin is hosting its Gala Cocktail Party at Gurney’s Inn on Old Montauk Highway. From 4 to 8 PM there will be a buffet and open bar, and Booga Sugar will perform. The cocktail party is one of the main events in fundraising for the organization’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade; tickets are $75 per person in advance and may be purchased by calling 631-668-1578, stopping by Becker’s Home Center or the Montauk Chamber of Commerce, or in Amagansett at Atlantic Wines & Liquors. Tickets will also be available at the door for $100 per person.

Last but not least, the Montauk Friends of Erin will host its 56th annual Saint Patrick’s Day Parade at 11:30 AM on Sunday. Touted as New York’s second largest St. Patrick’s parade, it’s the culmination of a whole weekend’s worth of activities. Coming up on Friday is the Grand Marshal luncheon at the Montauk Yacht Club to honor Kathy Keller, who will lead the parade. The luncheon starts at noon and continues until 3 PM. This year’s luncheon will be hosted by 2011 Grand Marshal Joan Lycke, and will be a roast and toast for Keller. Then she will be presented with her parade sash, top hat, and shillelagh.

In her new outfit, Keller will lead Sunday’s parade from Edgemere Road to the IGA on Main Street. Make sure to get there at 10 AM for hot soup served by the Montauk Chamber of Commerce.

kmerrill@indyeastend.com