5 Things You Need To Know about Montauk St. Paddy's Parade

The is all set for this Sunday. There are some differences this year, as the organizers hope to make the parade more family-friendly. To ensure you know exactly what to expect, here's some of the important details.

1. Hopefully, you know by now: the — 10 a.m. to be exact. While the earlier start time , they still said they'll do the best they can to make it a worthwhile event.

2. Plan to stake your place along the parade route early this year. Marchers and floats will start to line up on Flamingo Avenue at 9 a.m., so the northern route will be closed. Main Street will be shut down around 9:30 a.m. And, according to Police Lt. Chris Hatch, a lot more traffic is expected this year because the trains won't be arriving in town until after the parade is over. To avoid traffic, start heading out to Montauk early.

3. Wondering who that guy leading the parade is? Well, it's none other than Montauk businessowner , proprietor of and . He grew up watching the parade and he's honored to be the 50th grand marshal. To learn a little bit more about him, check out our .

4. Seeing the creative and often entertaining floats is part of the parade's allure. There's one that may seem more subdued, but it hold a part of East Hampton's history. Look for the pulled by members of the Amagansett Life-Saving and Coast Guard Building Committee.

5. Lt. Hatch said that 120 police officers will be on duty for the parade. There's a zero-tolerance, as always, for under-aged drinking. "We're hoping every one enjoys the day and they do it safely," he said. Just because the parade starts early, doesn't mean you can't have some responsible fun afterwards. Bars and restaurants will be opening at noon. Clothing shops and stores will be open, too. So, stop in and look around. You never know what you might find.