Around the Mountain by LJ James - East Durham 3rd Annual St Patrick's Day Parade

EAST DURHAM — Michael O'Connor left Long Island and moved up to East Durham in August of 2020. In April of 2022 he joined the "Ancient Order of Hibernians". Shortly after joining the local AOH, Michael started asking "why wasn't there a St. Patrick's Day Parade in East Durham"? After all, East Durham is known as the unofficial 33rd county of Ireland. The idea for the parade quickly became a passion for Michael O'Connor.

As we all now know... on St Patrick's Day 2024 , (which was also Michael's Birthday) the first St Patrick's day parade in 32 years took place in East Durham NY. To say the parade was a success, would be a massive understatement. With over 3 thousand people in attendance, the rumor is the parade is now the 3rd biggest St Patrick's Day Parade in NY State, and according to many I have spoken with, it is the best St Patrick's Day Parade outside of NYC.

Now while Michael O'Connor was "the spark" that started it all ,there have been many who have helped make Michael's dream come alive. Melanie Ward-Wesslock and Seamus Balfe, joined Michael immediately, and Together they formed the Parade committee in 2022. Soon many more came on board, too many to name individually, but all an enormous, and equally important part in the formation of this dream.

For most of us when we attend a parade we just enjoy the magic of it all, but while parades are magical, magic don't pay the bills. There is a lot of work and fundraising by many that goes on behind the scenes.

This parade continues only with the help of the many supporters and sponsors. Anyone , either local business or individual can get a full page ad in the dinner dance journal for only $100. There are also silver and gold sponsor packages available for those looking to give more.

Then there is the Dinner Dance Fundraiser, held at the Shamrock House of East Durham, at 7pm on Saturday February 28th. This event is only $65 per person. Along with an amazing dinner, there will be LIVE Music by Kitty Kelly Band (Featuring John Nolan) the dinner sells out fast, so be sure to get your tickets ASAP! This is a great way to support this parade, have a great time and maybe even make a few new friends. I know I will be there and look forward to seeing you all. Email EDParade@gmail.com to get your tickets today.

For more info on the Parade and the many after parties going on, go to EastDurhamStPatricksDayParade.com

I am your Bro LJ James and I will see you Around the Mountain!