Monday, October 5, 2026
Tens of thousands of spectators lined the streets of Wantagh on Sunday, March 16, for the community’s fifth annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The event, which has grown into one of Long Island’s largest, featured a lineup of local organizations, marching bands, and first responders.
Fire departments from Wantagh, Seaford, Levittown, Bellmore, Merrick, and East Meadow were among those participating. Law enforcement agencies, veterans’ groups, and Irish cultural organizations also marched, along with local schools and businesses.
The parade stepped off from Wantagh High School, proceeding south on Wantagh Avenue before concluding at Park Avenue. This year’s grand marshal was Tommy Shevlin, president of the Nassau County Police Benevolent Association. A former Wantagh resident, Shevlin was recognized for his contributions to law enforcement and advocacy for officer mental health support.
He served in law enforcement for over 26 years, working in both the New York City and Nassau County police departments. Before becoming PBA president in 2022, he was a counselor in the Nassau County Police Department’s Employee Assistance Office, where he focused on providing mental health support to officers.
At a March 4 dinner honoring him as the grand marshal, Shevlin said he was honored to lead the parade. Around 200 guests gathered at the event, held at the Heritage Club in Bethpage, to see Shevlin take his place as grand marshal, following in the footsteps of those who lead the march before him.
“I hope to make everybody proud, especially the former grand marshals,” he said. “They are some great men around here.”
Past grand marshals of the Wantagh St. Patrick’s Day Parade have included local business owners, community leaders, and first responders. Among them are 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. Each has been recognized for their contributions to the community, a tradition that continued this year with Shevlin leading the parade.
After the parade, celebrations continued with two block parties: the Railroad Avenue Block Party, sponsored by the Superior Officers Association, and another in the Park Avenue back lot, hosted by Lifestyles Sports. Both events featured live music, food vendors, and family-friendly entertainment.
The Wantagh Chamber of Commerce, which organizes the parade, noted the event’s continued growth and strong community involvement.
