Paul Drum Named Grand Marshal Of Cutchogue St. Patrick's Day Parade

CUTCHOGUE, NY — One of the most beloved events of the year on the North Fork is set to unfold soon as the North Fork Chamber of Commerce, in conjunction with the Cutchogue Fire Department, presents the 19th Annual Cutchogue St. Patrick's Day Parade, which will take place on Saturday, March 9.

And this year, Paul Drum has been named the Grand Marshal.

"We hope to make this year's parade is bigger and better than ever," organizers said.

The parade will begin at 2 p.m. and march from the traffic light at Cox Lane and down Route 25, ending in Cutchogue Village. All local civic groups and local fire departments are invited to participate.

Paul said is thrilled to lead the parade. "He is very excited and very pleased to be part of such a big community event," his mother Sharon Sailor said. "And he’s also very happy that he’ll have a chance to showcase his program, the Paul Drum Life Experience Project."

All the Paul Drum Life Experience programs, which are offered free for children ages 7 to 12, are designed to enlighten and enrich young minds, she said.

The Paul Drum Life Experience Project, according to the organization's website, "affords children the opportunity to participate in a vast and diverse array of activities and workshops designed to open their worlds and expand their horizons," with an eye toward broadening fields of interest, piquing curiosity, and sparking an enthusiasm for learning.

"It all started with a young man's enthusiasm. Paul Drum was seeking a way to give back to the generous community who unconditionally accepted and supported him," the site explained.

Together, Paul's mom Sailor, as well as Arlene Klein, work together to make the vision a reality.

Today, the free program is designed for children meeting during the summer months. At each weekly session, a new theme of interest is presented and led by an expert in that particular field. Varied topics may include signing for hearing children, robotics, touring an electric power plant, shark study, and more.

The program grows with money provided by donations from the global community, generous sponsors, and "fun-raisers" including the annual "Pirates and Mermaids" breakfast.

Drum has been recognized many times over the years at the fundraisers: He was named Suffolk County Legislator for the Day by Legislator Al Krupski in 2018, was dubbed New York State Assemblyman for the Day in 2017; Greenport Mayor for the Day in 2014, Police Chief for the Day in 2015 — Town Supervisor Scott Russell also designated a Paul Drum Day in Southold that year — and Suffolk County Executive for the Day in 2016. Drum was also named "Senator for the Day" by New York State Senator Anthony Palumbo in 2022.

Sailor said she wants to take the time to thank all the civil servants who have taken time out of their schedules "to support us, and especially Paul and his program. He sends an important message to the disabled community that no matter what your station or handicap one can always find a way to be involved and give back."

Sailor, who shares a deep bond of love with her son, reflects on her pride in her son's accomplishments: "Paul has given more back to the community than many with no 'handicaps' at all. He is passionate about being able to develop something that will leave a legacy, while at the same time, bettering where he lives."

And now, Sailor reflected on her son's latest honor, serving as grand marshal: "I couldn’t be proud of him, and all that he’s accomplished with his project and with his involvement with the community. There isn’t anybody that doesn’t know Paul from somewhere, someplace. He’s growing, and he’s able to showcase the Paul Drum Life Experience Project and get us the publicity we need to hopefully fund donations, and to carry on our eighth year of classes that are free for all kids from the age of 7 to 12, regardless of financial situation. They get a chance to expand their horizons and be exposed to things that they normally aren’t. So Paul’s family will be there cheering him on, along with a bunch of patrons from Front Street station — and, hopefully, most of the town."

Any groups wishing to participate in the parade are asked to contact parade chairman Joe Corso from the Chamber of Commerce for details. Contact info@northforkchamber.org or jcorso1@outlook.com, or call 631-734-5959.

"Thank you for the community's continued support of this growing parade. Come and join the community as we celebrate St. Patrick's Day," organizers said.