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Sunday’s Fifth Annual Asbury Park St. Patrick’s Day Parade is expected to draw thousands to the city.

This year’s grand marshal is the Asbury Park Press’ own Tom Donovan, a staunch supporter of arts and entertainment in the 1.4 square mile community.

The annual parade boasts all the traditional elements: Pipe and Drum bands from across the state, international award winning mummer and string bands, local police and fire companies, marching bands, jugglers, members of the VFW and local Boy and Girl scout troops.

But spotlights unique to Asbury Park include: Zombies, live music floats, skateboarders and cyclists, and brass bands.

Here is a snapshot of what you need to know:

Weather:

There is no rain date. Meteorologists forecast a mostly sunny day with t to 10 mph winds and temperatures reaching 43 degrees.

Check In:

Parade entries must be made by 12:15 pm at the corner of Kingsley Street and Seventh Avenue. Signs and volunteers will direct participants to the designated staging area. If an entry is not present in their designated staging area by 12:30 pm, they will not be allowed to participate in the parade, organizers said.

Parade Route:

The parade kicks off 1pm at Fifth and Ocean avenues, traverses south to Asbury Avenue, up through the downtown by way of Cookman 

Avenue, and finishes in the Municipal Parking Lot on Main Street. Participants will have 20 seconds to perform at the Review Stand in Press Plaza.

Road Closures:

The Asbury Park Police Department has released an advisory to expect traffic detours and road closures surrounding Ocean Avenue, Cookman Avenue and Main Street. Parking will be prohibited on the following streets during the times listed:

5am to 3pm Ocean Avenue

9am to 5pm Press Plaza

9am to 5pm Cookman Avenue from Asbury Avenue to Main Street

9am to 5pm Municipal Lot

Pre Parade:

Kim Marie’s opens early to accommodate volunteers, participants, and early revelers. Starting at 10 am, a traditional Irish breakfast featuring black & white pudding, Irish bacon, bangers & mashed, eggs, and grilled tomatoes is on the menu.

The After Parties:

Georgies Annual After Party sets off at 2 pm, featuring a special St. Pat’s menu, resident DJ Mick Hale spinning, and happy hour through to 8 pm.

At The Saint award-winning Irish folk musician Pierce Turner takes centerstage, returning to the city for the first time in close to 30 years. Doors open at 3 pm for this cafe style intimate show that opens with Avon Faire. Tickets are $15 via thesaintnj.com.

The Wonder Bar headlines Bobby Bandiera for this event fundraising show, kicking off at 3 pm. Tickets are $12 via wonderbarasburypark.com.

Sundries:

For parking regulations and guidelines visit asburyparkchamber.com/parking.asp.

For more about the parade, visit asburyparkstpatricksparade.com.

Donations for the all volunteer event, visit the GoFundMe page. Donations can also be mailed via check to The Asbury Park St. Patrick’s Day Parade, P.O. Box 694, Asbury Park, NJ 07712.

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