The City of Glen Cove marked a milestone this year as thousands gathered for its annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, a tradition rooted in Irish heritage and community pride that dates back to 1989. Jenkins noted that the parade, founded in 1989, is considered one of the oldest Hibernian-led parades on Long Island. She added that the event has grown significantly over the years to become the largest of its kind on Long Island.
This year’s parade carried added significance, taking place just one day after World Down Syndrome Awareness Day on March 21, reinforcing the event’s focus on inclusion and community impact.
The parade was founded by former Councilman Brian Fitzpatrick alongside members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, including Michael Moran, whose role helped establish what would become one of the region’s largest celebrations.
Moran’s daughter, Maureen Basdavanos, a former deputy mayor and past grand marshal, said her father was very instrumental founding of the parade here in Glen Cove, adding that “he and Brian Fitzpatrick were really the ones that brought the parade here.”
Basdavanos emphasized the cultural significance behind the event, noting that the Irish community has long been “such a proud group of people that really want to keep their heritage alive, and keep their traditions alive, that they love to come together as a group.”
The parade’s legacy has extended across generations. Basdavanos’s son, Sean Basdavanos, a past president of the Glen Cove Ancient Order of Hibernians, said his involvement was rooted in continuing that tradition. He described joining the organization “to carry on what (his grandfather) had started, to continue to promote Irish culture and Irish heritage.”
The Hibernians division in Glen Cove now bears Moran’s name, reflecting his lasting influence on the organization and the parade itself.
In its early years, the event relied on strong community support. Mary Moran, Michael Moran’s wife, said he “definitely always wanted something like it to start up in Glen Cove,” believing it would bring generations together. She recalled how community members, particularly women, helped sustain the event by preparing food and supporting organizers behind the scenes as the parade grew.
This year’s parade also highlighted inclusion and community impact. John Cronin, co-founder of John’s Crazy Socks, served as grand marshal, becoming the first person with Down syndrome in the United States to lead a St. Patrick’s Day parade.
The parade supports ACDS, a Plainview-based organization that provides services for children and adults with Down syndrome, autism and other developmental disabilities. Jenkins noted the connection, saying the honoree made the year “truly special.”
Participants included pipe bands, marching bands, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, the Hibernians and numerous local organizations. The parade is fully funded by sponsors and donors, with proceeds benefiting charitable causes.
The parade stepped off from Finley Middle School and made its way through downtown Glen Cove, ending with a celebration at St. Patrick’s Parish Hall.
More than three decades after its founding, the Glen Cove St. Patrick’s Day Parade continues to reflect the vision of its founders — a celebration of heritage, family and community that spans generations.
