Thursday, October 1, 2026
The Taste of Rockville Centre, a fundraiser organized by the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, brought the community together for an evening of food, music and celebration.
Drawing hundreds of attendees, the Jan. 30 fundraiser at the St. Agnes Parish Center showcased a wide variety of food and drink options from more than 20 restaurants and breweries, including desserts, wine tastings and coffee. Guests also enjoyed live music from Long Island-based party band Jerry & The Newcomers, keeping the energy high throughout the night.
Ann Travers, vice president of the committee and co-chair of the event, said the fundraiser has been a staple in the community for more than 20 years. She has taken on a leadership role for about a decade, working alongside board member Patrick McGuire.
Travers said the event would not be possible without the dedication of vendors and volunteers who help ensure everything runs smoothly. This year, more than 45 volunteers assisted with tasks including setup and teardown, which took up most of the day.
“The best part is everyone was happy to be a part of it,” Travers said.
The fundraiser plays a major role in supporting the parade committee’s philanthropic mission. Each August, the committee conducts interviews to select three charities to support through events held from September to March. This year’s beneficiaries are Rescuing Families Inc., Nassau County Firefighters Operation Wounded Warrior and Run for Mary.
The committee is also planning additional events to benefit this year’s selected charities, including a Backyard Breakfast in collaboration with the Backyard Players on March 8 and a tree lighting ceremony at Village Hall on March 2, marking the start of March.
These efforts lead up to the St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 21, which will feature Bill Hogan as grand marshal.
More information about upcoming events and how to get involved can be found at RVCStPatrick.com.
