East Islip said “Erin go Bragh!” as they held their 60th annual John P. Reilly St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 2. The event began at 2 p.m. on Main Street and made its way west, to the Church of Saint Mary. This year honored grand marshal John Davis, who led the parade route on the 1.3-mile trip.

Despite the drop in temperatures from earlier in the week and wind chill, several residents lined up along the sidewalk to show their support and enjoy the bagpipes played by different bands. Green necklaces and gold coins were tossed to spectators and Irish flags filled Main Street. There were also local food trucks along the way toward the beginning and end of the parade for those who developed an appetite from all the walking.

The first pipe band to lead after the grand marshal was the Roisin Dubh Pipe Band, followed by the Saffron United Pipe Band of Babylon. Also marching was the Ladies of Ancient Order of Hibernians. The organization aims to help preserve the Irish heritage and culture from a young age.

The Knights of Columbus 5252 of East Islip also marched in the parade.

Grand marshal John Davis is a resident of Great River and has been active in the Irish community for years. He has been part of the Ancient Order of Hibernians Division 7 since 2002. Davis was named Hibernian of the Year in 2021 by the AOH.

As pipe bands made their way toward the end of the route, some stopped to play in front of the grand marshal and his crew. The Saffron United Pipe Band of Babylon and Roisin Dubh Pipe Band turned to face the stage and performed before making their final stop at Church of Saint Mary.

Also performing in front of the grand marshal was the Mulvihill-Lynch Irish Dance Studio. Dancers showed off the Irish jig, a traditional dance form of Ireland.

At the end of the parade, the St. Patrick’s Day festivities continued at the Hibernian Hall in East Islip. All were welcomed to stop by and celebrate, whether Irish or not.