The 58th annual John P. Reilly East Islip St. Patrick’s Day parade has been set for March 5. The Local Hibernians Inc., who host the event, said in a letter to the community that they are happy to keep the tradition of holding the parade on the first Sunday of March in honor of the parade’s founder and chairman John P. Reilly, who began the parade in 1966. 

This year’s grand marshal is Tom McHugh, and the ladies aide to the grand marshal is Patricia Fitzpatrick. The parade features the Roisin Dubh Pipe Band and will begin in front of the East Islip Public Library at 2 p.m. and travel west along Main Street, passing by the grandstand at St. Mary’s R.C. Church and ending at Irish Lane. In addition to the Roisin Dubh Pipe Band, the parade will feature other pipe bands, Vietnam veterans, local fire, police and EMS departments, soccer leagues, school bands, Irish step dancers and other groups. The Local Hibernians also announced that for the first time, the parade will allow floats. 

The group posted that if anyone is interested in sponsorship opportunities or participating in the parade, more information can be found on Instagram and Twitter at @eiparade or on Facebook at East Islip St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Individuals are also welcome to reach out to localhibernians@gmail.com.