The announcement was made on the page of Hampton Bays Hibernians St. Patrick's Day Parade on Facebook, noting that the committee of Hampton Bays St.
“We are already planning to return bigger and better next year with a tentative date on Saturday, March 22, 2025,” the statement said.
The news prompted many residents to describe how much the annual event meant to the community and to ask questions about what prompted the cancellation.
Fergus Scully, a long-time Hibernian marshal, speaking only for himself and not representing the parade committee, responded on social media.
“I would like to address the rationale behind canceling the Hampton Bays St Patrick's Day Parade for this year. While I believe we have acted in the best interests of the parade going forward and that the committee's dealings should remain private, unfortunately, In the era of social media there is too much misinformation. It was discussed in various Facebook groups,” he said.
The parade was started in 2006 by a group of volunteers from the local Order of Hibernians and is run by a committee made up of department members, Scully said.
“It is with personal pride that I can say that I have participated in every parade to date. From building floats, to being asked to take part in the parade, a position I have loved for 10 years, to being honored as a grand marshal. I enjoyed the maximum every parade day,” he said.
He added: “However, things are changing. Membership in the Ancient Order of Hibernians has dwindled from around 150 at its peak to perhaps 20 attending meetings today. The parade committee has always been made up of members, so of course the committee members also decreased.
The same few members have tirelessly kept the parade going for the past several years. We obviously need help — and maybe we've had our heads stuck in the sand, thinking we'll make it. We have talked for many years about opening up the commission to the outside community, and that will happen soon,” he said.
Also, Scully said, “Last year's parade was the smallest and shortest parade in our history, with 45 floats, bands, fire departments, etc. down from the high of 100 participants 10 years ago. Instead of having a smaller parade and this year, I personally made a motion to the committee to cancel this year and regroup. It takes an incredible amount of time, money and effort to put on a parade of this magnitude, and unfortunately we are short on all of it. To the committee members and volunteers and participants who have kept the parade going for the past few years, I send you all my thanks.”
Scully recalled that he had written his thoughts “on advice” and his words had not been edited or vetted by the committee.
“To the people on Facebook who are demanding answers, I hope this explains a little. I'm not looking for praise by any means, but I'd like to put an end to the negativity. I believe the parade will be back better than ever and I sincerely apologize to everyone who will miss out this year's parade,” he said. “To quote one of our most popular marshals, 'Keep a good thought.'
The commission's announcement on Facebook read as follows:
“We understand that so many people are looking forward to the parade and apologize to everyone in the community for this unforeseen circumstance. The parade committee will be actively seeking new members in the coming months with the goal of restoring the St. Patrick's Day Parade and implementing a long-term plan for continued success for generations to come,” the statement said. “Thank you everyone for your continued support and understanding regarding this difficult decision.”
The release was signed by the Hampton Bays St Patrick's Day Parade Committee.
According to the Hampton Bays Hibernians, the first Hampton Bays St. Day Parade. Division 11, formed in April 2001, was the first AOH division on Long Island's East End, Hibernians said.
“The parade attracts thousands of spectators each year and features an array of entertainment from marching bands, school bands, community organizations, business vessels, fire departments and more,” organizers said.
