The Hampton Bays St. Patrick’s Day Parade made a triumphant return on Saturday, March 22, drawing an estimated 6,000 spectators, the largest crowd in the parade’s history. With 95 entries and nearly 800 marchers, including floats, pipe bands, community groups, and historic tractors, the event was a vibrant celebration of Irish culture and local pride.
“This year’s turnout was beyond anything we’ve seen before,” said Peter Feeney, parade committee member. “We were overwhelmed by the support from the community. Seeing so many families, businesses, and organizations come together really shows how much this parade means to Hampton Bays.”
The 2025 parade featured several memorable highlights, including the much-anticipated appearance of Grand Marshal Joe Fellingham, whose longstanding dedication to the community made him a standout choice to lead this year’s celebration. Participants included the Hampton Bays Chamber of Commerce, League of Nations, and the always-impressive pipe bands. A standout float from Scaryland, known for being one of Hampton Bays’ favorite Halloween attractions, brought added creativity and energy to the lineup.
In addition to the parade itself, this year introduced a new tradition: the Grand Marshal Brunch, designed to help extend the celebration of Irish-American culture beyond a single day.
The event would not have been possible without the help of the 30–40 volunteers, including members of the Key Club, Rotary, Chamber of Commerce, Bucket Brigade, and the Hampton Bays Fire Department, who helped with setup, logistics, and the hanging of flags the morning of the event.
For the first time in parade history, a massive Irish flag was proudly hung across Montauk Highway, creating a powerful visual moment that underscored the pride and unity felt throughout the day.
Sponsorships played a vital role in the parade’s success. “Like any nonprofit event, this parade thrives because of our incredible volunteers and generous sponsors,” Feeney added. “Their contributions allow us to grow this tradition year after year.”
With the 2025 parade setting a new benchmark for participation and attendance, planning is underway to make 2026 even bigger and better.
