WESTHAMPTON BEACH, NY — Irish eyes will soon be smiling as the 55th annual Westhampton Beach St. Patrick's Day begins.
“Patti was chosen to lead the 55th annual parade because of her community service to the greater Westhampton Beach community,” organizers said on the website. “Patty worked for the Westhampton Beach School District as a teacher and athletic director for nearly 40 years. She was a longtime member of the Westhampton War Memorial Ambulance and currently serves as treasurer for the Ambulance. She and her husband, Bill Dalton, ran the local Scout unit for many years, too — helping many young people to become Scouts.”
“Patty is a perfect example of what the Parade Committee looks for in a Grand Marshal,” said Tim Laube, committee chairman, on the site. “Community service is so important to our town and Patty embodies that. She has made Westhampton Beach and the surrounding communities a better place for more than 40 years. We are proud to have Patty leading us into 2024.”
According to long-standing tradition, the Grand Marshal may choose the theme of the parade. Ziparo-Dalton chose this year's theme of “rock, paper, scissors” because it was “a successful and simple mediation technique” she used to get students to settle their differences while she was a physical education teacher in Westhampton Beach, organizers said.
An annual fundraiser to be held on March 2nd at the Westhampton Beach Brewery. Doors open at 6:30pm. and the event includes a DJ and dancing. Zipar0-Dalton will be presented as Grand Marshal at the event and will receive her sash and shillelagh.
The committee is working to collect donations from local businesses and community members that will ultimately lead to a drawing of more than $20,000 worth of prizes, organizers said.
Raffles are also available, to purchase tickets click here or visit Lynne's Cards and Gifts to purchase a ticket.
“Last year's party was a huge success,” Laube told the website. “The party is the main way we fund the parade and rely on the generosity of our local businesses. Plus, it's just a great time. We have a solid group of dedicated volunteers who come out and make the parade happen.”
Check website for float classes. prizes are awarded to the top three community and youth floats.
The parade features hose lanes, fire departments, ambulance units, high school bans, floats, classic cars, marching bands and more.
The parade starts on Mill Road in front of Westhampton Beach Middle School and travels down Main Street before turning right on Main Street and ending near the Westhampton Performing Arts Center.
