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The Sixth Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade fundraising season kicks off Wednesday with a beach barbecue event at Anchor’s Bend, located at 1300 Ocean Avenue.

Proceeds from the 6 to 9 p.m. BBQ with an Irish twist, will go toward the St. Patrick’s Day Fund, founder Garrett Giberson said.

On the menu is a barbecue brisket, burgers with Irish cheddar cheese, Irish Garden Burgers,  a bratwurst braised in beer, and all the associated accoutrements, Giberson [at right] said.

The live entertainment may include a surprise performance from bagpipers.

The annual event is supported by the contributions of those in community, be it financial or in a volunteer capacity.

Since its 2011 inception, parade attendance and participation figures have increased each year, Giberson said. In 2018 the parade attendance more than double from the previous year to an estimated 10,000 to 12,000 attendees.

An eight member committee and a host of volunteers work throughout the year to bring the event into fruition, Giberson said.

Proceed from the parade are donated throughout to year to local organizations like the Asbury Park Little League, The Center, Garden State Equality, and the Asbury Park High School Marching Band.

“We do try to keep the donations as close to home as possible,” Giberson said.

The St. Patrick’s Day Parade fundraising barbecue cost is $20 per person. For more information, visit asburyparkstpatricksparade.com.

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