Irish Eyes Will Smile At Hampton Bays Hiberians St. Pat's Parade

HAMPTON BAYS, NY — The sound of bagpipes will fill the air soon as the 16th Annual Hampton Bays Hiberians St. Patrick's Day parade kicks off on Saturday, March 21 at 11 a.m.

The parade is judged, and prizes are awarded to the Best Float, Best Band and Best Marching Group. New this year will be a $1,000 prize for best entrant, to be donated to the winner's charity of choice; there will also be a $500 prize for runner up, organizers said.

"So have some fun, get creative and enter your group into the parade! Let's keep this tradition going in Hampton Bays," organizer said.

According to the event's website, this year's grand marshal is Michael P. Quinlan, active in the Hampton Bays Hibernians and the Ancient Order of Hibernians where he was “Man of the Year” in 2015. He is also a member of the Knights of Columbus 7023 and Southampton Elks Lodge 1574.

"Michael, who usually goes by 'Mike' resides in East Quogue with his wife Rene, a Hampton Bays native, and four children Finn, Nolan, Aidan and Ryan," the website said. "He is the owner of a family business, Quinlan Electric in Hampton Bays, which was started by his father T. Michael Quinlan, former organizer & 2006 grand marshal."