Photos: Passing of the Sash and Irish Soda Bread Contest

In a kickoff to celebrating St. Patrick’s Day, the traditional Passing of the Sash took place Sunday at  on Main Street in Patchogue.

Bob and Sheila Morrow, this year’s co-Grand Marshals of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade, received the sash from last year’s grand marshal, Kevin McGiff. The parade will be held on March 27.

Also held was the annual Irish Soda Bread Contest, which Brick House Brewery won. The band, Bangers and Mash, played traditional Irish folk music and originals with violins, tin whistles and stomping feet.

Check the for highlights from the event.

Patchogue Patch previously incorrectly reported that James McPeak was last year's Grand Marshal. While McPeak was a former Grand Marshal for the St. Patrick's Day parade, Kevin McGiff is the 2010 Grand Marshal. Patchogue Patch apologizes for the error.