Union County St. Patrick's Day Parade Guide

The 16th Annual Union County St. Patrick's Day Parade kicks off at 1 p.m. today when the county's Irish American residents will celebrate their heritage — along with anyone else who wants to be part of the festive day.

The parade, held in Union Township, begins at Morris and Jeanette avenues and continues east along Morris Avenue, turning souuth at the Main Reviewing Stand at Morris and Caldwell Avenues — where all participants will be announced —and ending at Roosevelt Avenue. Michael J. Panella is this year's General Chairman for the parade, which is honoring Bill Dugan as its Grand Marshall.

For information on parking, click here.

Click here to see a full list of the participants in the 2012 parade. 

2012 Parade General Chairman — Michael J. Panella. Panella has lived in Union for 17 years with his wife, Mary. They have three sons, Tim, Sean and Michael. His mother's family is originally from County Roscommon in Ireland. His Grandfather Sean Gilmartin, immigrated to the United States in the late 1920s, at the age of 21, In 1933, Gilmartin was a founding member of the Brian Boru Irish Pipe Band, the first band of its kind in New Jersey, and they marched in the firt Newark St. Patrick's Day Parade. His uncle Donnie Gilmartin is a founding member of the Essex County Emerald Society Police and Fire Pipes and Drums and the Newark Firefighters Pipe Band.

He is a founding member of the Irish American Society of Union. From 1988 to '95, Panella had been an Assistant Adjutant in the Newark parade. In the Union County Parade, he has served as Assistant Adjutant and Adjutant before being named General Chairman. He also is a member of the Giblin Association, the Cryan Association, Joseph Nugent Sr. Association and the Union Knights of Columbus #4504. He served for seven years in the U.S. Navy SEABEES, the Naval Construction Battalion.

2012 Parade Grand Marshal — Bill Dugan, of Clark, is a Lieutenant with the Elizabeth Police Department. Dugan has been involved with the parade since it began 16 years ago. He leads the motorcycle unit that has assisted the parade committee.

"On parade day, I will be celebrating my heritage and my wonderful family," Dugan said. "Having my wife and children sharing this day by my side will be most fulfilling."

Dugan was originally from Elizabeth, but traces his Irish roots to his father, Daniel, whose family originated in County Wicklow. His mother traces her roots to family members in County Antrim and County Cork. "I know my father's Irish eyes will be shining down on me from heaven," he added. "I humbly dedicate this great honor to my mother, Mary Jane Colgan Dugan, the greatest Irishwoman I have ever known." Dugan will be celebrating the day with his wife, Carol, and their children, Allison, Ryan and Daniel.

Schedule

• 9 a.m. The day kicks off with the 9 a.m. Thornstick Mass in conjunction with the Elizabeth Ancient Order of Hibernians at St. Patrick's Church, Elizabeth. A welcoming reception in the church hall after Mass
• Noon — Reviewing Stand Festivities, Morris & Stuyvesant Avenues in Union
• The "Kid's Zone" on  Stuyvesant Ave., just off Morris Ave., provides plenty of activities to keep young kids busy during the parade.
• 1:00 p.m.  — The Parade begins
• The Marching units gather at Morris Avenue and along Commerce and Jeanette Avenues

More information unioncountystpatricksdayparade.com

Check back later on Patch for photos and highlights of the Parade.