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Organizers behind the Fifth Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, being held on March 11, have announced that Asbury Park Press Publisher Tom Donovan will be this year’s Grand Marshal.

A Lewes, Del. native and  University of Delaware graduate, Donovan began his tenure at the Asbury park in the summer of 2007, according to a written statement.

Donovan’s desire to help lead the city’s continuing economic and community revitalization, led to his participation with the Asbury Park Music Foundation, a non profit that works to support  youth music programs.

Donovan is one of the original board members and serves as co-chair of the Foundation’s signature event – Asbury Park Music & Film Festival.

Donovan also the co-produced Just Before the Dawn, the film that captured both the musical and racial impact during the 1960’s and 1970’s in Asbury Park. Donovan has also committed support to the annual  Light of Day Winterfest, Springwood Avenue Summer Music Program, and Asbury Underground.

Grand Marshal’s are selected for their commitment to giving back to the city and represent the spirit of the city, organizers said. Past Grand Marshals have included ‘Father Bob’ Kaeding, Big Joe Henry, The Carroll Family, and Stone Pony Manager Caroline O’Toole.

Along with a host of fundraising events being held to support the annual event and local charities, a Grand Marshal Dinner honoring Donovan will be held 7 p.m. March 8 at Convention Hall on the AP Boardwalk.

Parade proceeds have been donated to the Asbury Park Little League, The Center, the Asbury Park Historical Society, Asbury Park Fire Department – Local 384, Asbury Park Recreation Committee, and the victims of the Orlando mass shooting.  

Founded in 2013, the celebrates St. Patrick while acknowledging the diversity of the people and culture of Asbury Park, organizers said in a written statement. Much thought went into the original concept to make certain that it was all inclusive and unique to Asbury Park, while still incorporating the traditions of a ‘good old fashioned’ parade.

Their fundraising season launched last month with an Irish Whiskey Festival at Asbury Festhalle & Biergarten on Lake Avenue.

Next up will be a Green Dragon Brunch, being held from 11a.m. to 2 p.m. Feb 11 at Taka, located on Cookman Avenue; followed by Finnegan’s Wake on Feb. 22 at Cross & Orange on Cookman Avenue; and a Shamrock n Roll event will be held from 2 to 9 p.m. Feb. 25 at Wonder Bar.

The St. Patrick’s Day Parade behind the scenes team includes President and Founder Garrett Giberson Jr, Vice President Sammy Boyd, and committee members Eileen Chapman, Judi Yaccarino, John McGillion The Asbury Park Chambers of Commerce, The Asbury Ushers, and Chris Femiano of Madison Marquette.

The Asbury Park St. Patrick’s Day parade is a registered 501(c)(3) non-profit organization fully funded by donations and sponsorship, fundraising events.For tickets to the Grand Marshal Dinner and other events, and for more information, visit their website, Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, and GoFundMe pages.

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