Kathleen Keller Chosen As Montauk St. Pat's Parade Grand Marshal

MONTAUK, NY — Irish eyes are smiling: The Montauk Friends of Erin have announced that Kathleen Keller has been chosen as the 2018 St. Patrick's Day Parade Grand Marshal.

"Congratulations from the Friends of Erin and all your family & friends," a Facebook announcement read.

And that's not all: A full slate of events, hosted by the Montauk Friends of Erin, leads up to the popular parade, which draws crowds to Montauk every year.

The 15th Annual Corned Beef & Cabbage Dinner with music by " Todd the Guitar Guy ", raffles and prizes will take place on March 10 from 5:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. at the Point Bar & Grill in Montauk. Tickets are $15, and $10 for children.

On March 23, the Annual Grand Marshal Luncheon takes place at the Montauk Yacht Club Resort & Marina, from noon to 3 p.m.

The Annual Grand Marshal Luncheon, honoring the 2018 St. Patrick's Day Parade Grand Marshal Kathleen Keller, will be hosted by the 2011 Grand Marshal Joan Lycke.

During the event, Keller will be introduced, roasted, and then presented with her parade sash, top hat and shillelagh. Tickets are sold in advance only; no tickets will be sold at the door. Tickets are $60 per person and may be purchased at the Montauk Laundromat, by calling 631-668-3381, or by emailing friendslunch2015@gmail.com. Tickets go on sale February 17.

Next, on March 24, the Annual Gala Cocktail Party takes place at Gurney's Inn in Montauk from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

The Annual Cocktail Party is one of the main fundraisers for the Montauk Friends of Erin's annual St. Patrick's Day Parade. The event will include a buffet, open bar and live music by "Booga Sugar". Tickets are $65 in advance or $80 at the door. At 6 p.m. the "Amityville Highland Pipe Band" will march in with Keller.

And finally, the main event: The 56th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade, the second largest in the state, will kick off from Edgemere Road at 12 p.m. on Sunday, March 25 in Montauk. The parade runs up Edgemere Road and then turns on to Main Street, past the reviewing stand on the green and emcee Rick White, and finishes at the end of Main Street by the IGA.

Beginning at 10 a.m. on the green, the Montauk Chamber of Commerce will be serving hot clam chowder in St. Patrick's Day Parade souvenir mugs. "Montauk's finest clam chowder is made and donated by local restaurants," organizers said.

Patch photo by Patrick Moloney.