For Immediate Release:

A message from Parade Chairman Kevin Brennan:

We at the West Orange Saint Patrick’s Day Parade (the “Parade”) put the health and safety of the public as our highest priority.  We have been monitoring the COVID 19 situation closely and have been in constant contact with elected officials, health officials, first responders, and leaders of other New Jersey Parades.  Due to the direction from the experts in the field and the direction that Parades, and other large events have taken, we are postponing the Parade this year. We are planning to throw a tremendous Parade in September as soon as a date can be confirmed.

This decision was not made lightly, and I am beyond devastated and saddened to make it.  I understand the impact that this decision has upon our Honorees, their families, the families and Irish Organizations who support the Parade, and the many restaurants and businesses that depend on the Parade for revenue to keep their doors open.  Some will think that this is a complete overreaction.  I understand and appreciate that perspective.  But based upon the information we have, we felt that this was the best decision to make at this time.

To our Honorees, I am sorry. You are all outstanding and respected leaders within the Irish community, and we are extremely proud of the way you represented your Irish heritage in such an outstanding and commendable way.

I would like to thank Mayor Parisi, Chief Abbott, our First Responders, our Public Works, and all who have worked hard over the last year to prepare for this day. Most of all, I would like to thank the best damn Parade Committee in the state for everything you have done to get us so close to the finish line.

We Irish are a strong, proud people and have faced adversity before, however, we will persevere and flourish. We look forward to seeing you all in September when we put the Parade on the street at a time that is safer for the community.

Thank you for your understanding during these difficult times.

Kevin Brennan

2020 Chairperson