55th Westhampton Beach St. Patrick's Day Parade Steps Off Soon

WESTHAMPTON BEACH, NY — Irish eyes will soon be smiling as the 55th Annual Westhampton Beach St. Patrick's Day Parade steps off.

According to the Westhampton Beach St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, the Grand Marshal for 2024 is Patty Ziparo-Dalton.

The parade takes place on March 9, beginning at noon.

"Patty was chosen to lead the 55th annual parade because of her community service to the greater Westhampton Beach community," organizers said on the website. "Patty worked for the Westhampton Beach School District as a teacher and athletic director for almost 40 years. She has been a longtime member of the Westhampton War Memorial Ambulance and currently serves as treasurer for the Ambulance. She and her husband, Bill Dalton, ran the local Boy Scouts unit for many years, as well — helping many young people become Eagle Scouts."

"Patty is a perfect example of what the Parade Committee looks for in a Grand Marshal," Tim Laube, committee president, said, on the site. "Community service is so important to our town, and Patty embodies that. She has made Westhampton Beach and its surrounding communities a better place for more than 40 years. We are proud to have Patty lead us in 2024."

According to longtime tradition, the Grand Marshal gets to choose the parade theme; Ziparo-Dalton chose this year's theme of "rock, paper, scissor" because it was "a successful and simple mediation technique" she used to get students to settle their differences while she was a physical education teacher at Westhampton Beach, organizers said.

An annual fundraiser to be held on March 2 at the Westhampton Beach Brewery. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. and the event includes a DJ and dancing; Zipar0-Dalton will be introduced as Grand Marshal at the event and receive her sash and shillelagh.

The committee has been working to collect prize donations from local businesses and community members that eventually will lead to more than $20,000 worth of prizes raffled off, organizers said.

Raffles are also available, to purchase tickets, click here or visit Lynne’s Cards and Gifts to purchase a ticket.

"Last year’s party was a huge success," Laube said on the site. "The party is the primary way we fund the parade and we rely on the generosity of our local businesses. Plus, it is just a great time. We have a solid group of dedicated volunteers who get out and make the parade happen."

Check the website for float categories; prizes are given out to the best three community and youth floats.

The parade includes pipe bands, fire departments, ambulance units, high school bans, floats, classic cars, marching groups and more.

The parade starts on Mill Road in front of the Westhampton Beach Middle School and travels towards Main Street before turning right on Main Street and ending near the Westhampton Performing Arts Center.