One of Long Beach's biggest events returns

Long Beach shamrock 'n rolled Saturday at the Ancient Order of Hibernians Division 17’s 34th annual Irish Heritage parade and festival.

The festival began at 10 a.m., with the parade starting at 11 a.m. at Washington Boulevard and West Beech Street. West Beech Street was filled with vendors, food stalls, rides, and music. There were also raffles, with the festivities lasting until 4 p.m.

In the midst of Saturday's steady rain, the West End streets of Long Beach were filled with vibrant green and cheerful faces.

Irish Day not only celebrates culture but also supports community causes, benefiting the Waterfront Warriors, Long Beach/Lido Beach Little League, and the Veterans of Foreign Wars. It also grants some scholarships.

Congressman Anthony D'Esposito was honored as the Grand Marshal of the event. Alongside him were aides Maureen Condon, John O'Brien, Harold Rochelle and Michael Triptree.

“It is an incredible honor to serve as Grand Marshal of the Irish Heritage Parade and Festival, and I am overjoyed to celebrate the amazing contributions of Irish Americans to the City of Long Beach as well as communities across the South Shore,” D’Esposito said. “Irish culture is deeply intertwined with the history of Long Island, and I am glad we are all able to come together to recognize the Emerald Isle’s positive influence right here at home.”

The event was sponsored by local companies and establishments, including Lancer Insurance Company, The Merrow, The Inn, The Saloon, Minnesota's, The Cabana, Borelli's Taproom, Shine's, Speakeasy, The Knight's Pub, Swingbelly's, Jetty's, Lilly and Ugly Duckling.

The AOH, founded in 1836 in the coal-mining region of Pennsylvania and New York City, is America's oldest Irish Catholic Fraternal Organization. With roots in Ireland dating back 300 years, its largest and most distinct branch is in America, although it has affiliations in Canada, Ireland, England, Wales and Scotland.

The AOH aims to aid the newly arrived Irish both socially and economically. Additionally, they are dedicated to preserving and celebrating Irish culture, highlighting its arts, dance, music, and sports. The AOH has consistently been a voice on issues significant to the Irish community.

Irish Day is one of Long Beach’s largest events, drawing thousands to the West End, where the green flows for hours — vendors sell food and other items and restaurants and bars do a booming business.

There are around 100 vendors, at least, each year, and food vendors, rides and food. Irish Day attracts several thousand people throughout the day, and those people frequent the bars and restaurants, where live music often plays.