Photos: Annual Montauk St. Patrick's Day Parade Grand Marshal Luncheon Celebrates Eddie Ecker

MONTAUK, NY — Montauk's 55th Annual Friends of Erin Parade festivities kicked off Friday with Behan’s Annual Grand Marshal Luncheon at Gurney’s Montauk.

The much-beloved annual event includes an introduction and roast of the year's grand marshal and presentation of his parade sash, top hat and shillelagh.

The lunch began at noon at Gurney's Montauk, as family and friends of Edward "Eddie" Ecker, Jr. gathered to honor him and to celebrate his being selected grand marshal of the upcoming Montauk St. Patrick's Day Parade on Sunday.

The walls of the dining room were decorated with photos of all the past grand marshals, including Eddie's Father, Edward Ecker, Sr., and his mother Frances, who attended the celebration.

Hosting the luncheon was Joan Lycke, 2011 grand marshal, with Montauk Friends of Erin President Brian Matthews, who made opening remarks. Reverend Bill Hoffmann offered the blessing.

The spirit of the event was not just "I know Eddie Ecker." Instead, the sentiments echoing from all in attendance was "We love Eddie Ecker".

Photos by Richard Lewin Professional Photography, soniboy@aol.com.

Reporting by Richard Lewin.