Thursday, March 27, 2025
Wantagh will go green on Sunday, March 16, as the community gathers for the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, followed by two festive block parties. The parade steps off at 2 p.m. from Wantagh High School, with a lineup and float setup beginning at noon.
This year’s grand marshal is Tommy Shevlin, president of the Nassau County Police Benevolent Association. Shevlin, a former Wantagh resident, was honored at the Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day event hosted by the Wantagh Chamber of Commerce on Sept. 19 at the Wantagh Inn. His selection was met with applause from the crowd, which included local officials such as State Sen. Steve Rhoads, Town of Hempstead Councilman Chris Schneider, Town Clerk Kate Murray and County Legislator Michael Giangregorio.
Shevlin has dedicated 26 years to law enforcement, serving in both the New York and Nassau County police departments. Before becoming PBA president in 2022, he worked as a counselor at the Nassau County Police Department’s Employee Assistance Office, where he provided mental health services to officers. His advocacy for mental health awareness in law enforcement has been recognized statewide, including by Gov. Kathy Hochul, who allocated $13 million toward mental health support for officers.
“This will, by far, be my favorite parade of all time, that I will never forget,” Shevlin said at the September event. “And I can finally bring my family — my two little boys and my wife — to show them why St. Paddy’s Day is my favorite holiday of all time.”
Now in its fifth year, the Wantagh St. Patrick’s Day Parade has grown into Long Island’s largest, according to Chamber President Cathy McGrory Powell. Past grand marshals have included John Murray Jr., owner of Mulcahy’s Pub and Concert Hall; Nassau County Police Commissioner Patrick Ryder; Michael Dunphy, owner of the Wantagh Inn; and John Theissen, founder of the John Theissen Children’s Foundation.
Road closures will be in effect starting at noon on parade day, impacting Beltagh Avenue, Wantagh Avenue, and Railroad Avenue. The Wantagh Long Island Rail Road station will have additional trains running for attendees. Parking restrictions will be enforced, with vehicles required to be removed from designated streets and municipal lots by 6 a.m. Only authorized vendors with permits will be allowed to sell merchandise within the designated block party areas—not along the parade route.
After the parade, the celebration continues with two block parties. The Railroad Avenue Block Party, sponsored by the Superior Officers Association, runs from 2 to 8 p.m. and will feature outdoor bars, live music, and family-friendly entertainment. Food trucks such as Authentic Greek, Pies on Wheels, and DJ’s Clam Shack will be serving up delicious options. Vendors including The Barking Biscuit, Vintage by Lex, and the Mac Cigar Truck will be on-site. Entertainment highlights include live radio broadcasts from 102.3 WBAB and 106.1 BLI, along with a Metrocade game truck.
A short distance away, the Back Lot Party in the Park Avenue back lot will take place at the same time, sponsored by Lifestyles Sports. The event will be held behind Boss Croker’s, Craft Kitchen and Taphouse, The Irish Poet, Lifestyles Sports, and Lulu’s Organic Juice Bar. Attendees can enjoy food from Authentic Greek, Crepes and Bakes, and Uncle Frank’s Brick Oven Pizza, as well as family-friendly entertainment like balloon artists, Paddy’s Playland, and a kids’ “bar.” Tease Hair Bar & Glam Events will be offering hair tinsel and glitter bar services.
With live music, food, and entertainment for all ages, the Wantagh St. Patrick’s Day celebration promises a day of community fun while honoring its grand marshal and Irish heritage.
