Halfway to St. Patrick's Day

Kids are back in the classroom, seasonal pumpkin spice drinks have returned, and temperatures have dropped to a pleasant degree—it’s official, fall is here. If you are already getting excited for Halloween, or even Christmas, why not keep looking forward to St. Patrick’s Day?

The Bay Shore-Brightwaters St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee invites you to the Halfway to Saint Patrick’s Day Celebration at Napper Tandy’s on Monday, Sept. 16, from 6 to 9 p.m.

With food, drinks, raffles, and live music, the fun night will help raise funds to put on the parade, which will take place Saturday, March 8, 2025 at 2 p.m.

The halfway celebration will honor the 2025 grand marshal, former New York State senator and current president of Suffolk OTB, Phil Boyle.

The parade committee began the process of selecting a grand marshal at their April meeting after the previous year’s parade. Committee members propose different members of the community that they feel are well deserving of the honor to represent the local and/or Irish community of the greater Bay Shore-Brightwaters area. Finally, the committee votes on the candidates in May, before the candidate is asked whether they will accept the honor.

Well known in the community and among many of the committee members, the 2025 grand marshal Phil Boyle has served the Bay Shore-Brightwaters community for over 24 years, beginning his service in the NYS Assembly in 1994 through his tenure as NYS senator in 2022.

“During his years in public service, Boyle, whose office was located on Main Street in Bay Shore, always supported our community, whether through NYS grant funding to support our local parks, advocating for improvements to our state roadways, assisting local residents with issues and concerns, etc.,” shared parade secretary, Rory Allen.

Boyle is currently the president and CEO of Suffolk County OTB, and under his leadership, the company continues to fund local community organizations. Boyle is also a volunteer fireman and a member of Division 7 Ancient Order of Hibernians.

In addition to honoring Boyle, the Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day Celebration will also feature a special appearance by the 2024 grand marshal.

“Fr. Sean from St. Patrick’s will be in attendance for a passing of the Shillelagh ceremony from one grand marshal to another,” shared Michael McElwee, member of the parade committee.

Tickets for the celebration are priced at $100 each. Checks can be made payable to BSBW parade committee and mailed to PO Box 5017 Bay Shore, NY, 11706.

Available sponsorship packages include the Shamrock (includes two tickets) for $500, the Harp (includes four tickets) for $1,000, and the Emerald (includes eight tickets) for $2,000.

To inquire about sponsorship or for more information, contact Michael McElwee at (631) 335-3498, or Brendan Bulfin at (631) 897-0323.