Ocean County Celebrates Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade

Seaside Heights hosts lively parade with floats, music, and Irish spirit

Mar. 15, 2026 at 5:18pm

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The annual Ocean County St. Patrick's Day Parade took place in Seaside Heights, New Jersey, drawing crowds dressed in green to celebrate Irish heritage. The parade featured festive floats, marching groups, bagpipe music, and an after-party at the Hershey Motel. The parade committee has organized the event since 1976, when it was first held at the Ocean County Mall and later moved to downtown Toms River before settling in Seaside Heights.

Why it matters

The St. Patrick's Day parade is a long-standing tradition that brings the community together to celebrate Irish culture and heritage. It showcases the vibrant spirit of the Jersey Shore and highlights the area's resilience, as the parade has adapted and grown over the decades, even after being relocated from the Ocean County Mall to Seaside Heights.

The details

The parade stepped off from J Street in Seaside Park and moved down toward Carteret Avenue in Seaside Heights. Spectators, including many with their dogs, lined the streets dressed in green attire. Vendors sold Irish flags, hot pretzels, and inflatable leprechauns. The parade featured festive floats, marching groups, and the Massed Band presenting a 40-foot American flag while pipe bands played 'Amazing Grace.' An after-party was held at the Hershey Motel with the Drunkin' Clams providing entertainment.

  • The parade has been held annually since 1976.
  • This year's parade took place on March 15, 2026.

The players

Tom King

President of the parade committee, has supported the Ocean County St. Patrick's Day Parade since its inception.

Sammy Hammer

Owner of the Crabs Claw Inn, this year's grand marshal who rode in his establishment's sponsored float.

Peggy Hurley

This year's Irish woman of the year who rode on a float of her own.

Kerri Sles

A Toms River native who now lives in Brick, and has made the St. Patrick's Day parade a family tradition.

Amy Everling

A Cranford resident who also owns property in Seaside Park, attended the parade with her daughter and grandchildren.

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What they’re saying

“We are Irish so it is our thing every March. My son Joe is with me and my husband and my other son are over at the Burger 25 truck getting a bite to eat. This parade brings the family together. We have other family members who are coming to it and we spend the day together.”

— Kerri Sles

“This is a tradition. I came with my daughter and my grandchildren.”

— Amy Everling

The takeaway

The Ocean County St. Patrick's Day Parade has endured as a beloved annual tradition, bringing together the community to celebrate Irish heritage and culture. Despite changes in location over the years, the parade has maintained its festive spirit and sense of community, demonstrating the resilience of this Jersey Shore event.