Press release from Rumson St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee

The Fourth Annual Rumson St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be held on Sunday, March 13, 2016, beginning at 1 pm. The day will be complete with music, bag pipe bands, floats, marching bands from area high schools, Irish Step Dancers, classic cars, veteran groups, scouting organizations, non-profit organizations, schools, novelty acts, and area business and civic groups.

Mayor John Ekdahl and members of the borough council enthusiastically welcomed the announcement of this recently established local tradition, first organized in 2013. As she has since the event’s inception, JoAnn Pileggi of Fox 29 News Philadelphia will serve as Master of Ceremonies, and named as the 2016 Grand marshal is Jack C. Howley (pictured), president of Howley Financial Group, LLC and a founding board member and supporter of the Rumson St. Patrick’s Day Parade committee.

Along with his wife Iwona, and daughters Alexandria, Brielle and Courtney, the Rumson resident became well known around town for hosting an annual front lawn Christmas party and toy drive, complete with Santa, fire trucks, bonfires, live music and sleigh rides; an offering that was enjoyed by the residents of the surrounding communities, as well as the recipients of the hundreds of toys collected each year. Over the past several decades, Howley has created a highly successful business career as well as an unwavering commitment to philanthropy and community outreach. For many years, the Howley family Jack coached travel and recreation softball and basketball, and organized the inaugural Rumson Opening Day baseball/softball parade. He served as a board member and supporter of the Rumson-Fair Haven Run for 12 years, and was also a founding member and the president of the RFH Courtside Club. He served on the board of trustees of the Randy Foye Foundation, the Monmouth County Girl Scouts, as well as the Monmouth Medical Center Foundation. Jack is a supporter of many other non-profit organizations in the community and currently serves on the board of trustees of the Charles Edison Fund and the Edison Innovation Foundation.

Jack is passionate about his Irish heritage. He is an avid runner and long-time fan of Notre Dame Football. Upon the request of his beloved friend and parade founder, Mike Larkin, Jack joined the event board. He is honored to be named as the 2016 Parade Grand Marshal, a distinction he shares with previous honorees Tim McLoone (2013), Brig. Gen. Peter Dawkins (2014) and Philip D. Murphy (2015).

Last year’s parade saw close to 1,000 people representing area businesses and non-profits, scouting organizations, bag pipe bands, high school bands and the armed services walking the green line. Even our four-legged friends (both dogs and horses) turned out to strut their stuff. The Rumson Police estimated that there were more than 7,000 spectators who made it a great day not only for the Irish, but a great day for Rumson.

Leading up to the parade, there will be several fundraisers in Rumson with Irish music, food, and surprise guests. The various fundraisers not only help to subsidize parade costs but enable the parade to disperse donations to various local charities. This year’s beneficiaries are 180 Turning Lives Around and The Community YMCA.

Executive director Craig Shivers has announced that registration is officially open, and applications are being accepted to march in the parade.  Go here to register, and here for sponsorship opportunities and additional information.