Friends of Erin Dedicate Parade To Coast Guard; Will Announce Grand Marshal at Pub Quiz

The 52nd annual Montauk St. Patrick's Day is a little more than two months away — on March 23 — and that means the Montauk Friends of Erin are gearing up for the big day.

Coming up on Jan. 24 is the popular Winter Pub Quiz to raise money for the annual parade, and this year the Friends of Erin will be announcing the Grand Marshal at the pub quiz.

"We haven't picked the Grand Marshal yet," Joe Bloecker, the president, told Patch. In fact, nominations are being made this week. "We won't confirm anything until the day before the pub quiz that way we won't have to worry about information getting out early," he said.

The Friends of Erin Ladies Auxiliary, which has been supporting the Montauk Friends of Erin for over 20 years, put on the pub quiz, which will be held at Gurney's Inn. Rori Finazzo will serve as quiz master. The cost is $30 per player or $35 at the door. Call 631-946-3872 for reservations. It begins at 7 p.m., though doors open at 6:15.

What the Friends of Erin have decided already is that they are dedicating the parade to the men and women of Coast Guard Station Montauk "who have served our fishermen so well this year," Bloecker said.

The Coast Guard helped rescue John Aldridge, the Montauk lobster fisherman who was missing at sea for 12 hours in July, as well as several other rescues over the past year.
Here are some other events to put on your calendar:

• In the week leading up the parade, the annual Corned Beef and Cabbage Dinner will be held at the Point Bar & Grill on March 15 from 5:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 per person, $10 for children. "Todd the Guitar Guy" will perform and raffles and prizes will be given out.

• The annual Grand Marshal's Luncheon, held at Gurney's Inn, is slated for March 21, from noon to 3 p.m. That's where the Grand Marshal is officially introduced and presented with the parade sash, top hat, and shillelagh (the Irish walking stick). Tickets are $50.

• The following evening, March 22, the Gala Cocktail Party will be held at Gurney's Inn from 4 to 8 p.m Admission includes the food buffet, open bar, and live band. It's one of the main fundraising events for the Friends of Erin St. Patrick's Day Parade. Tickets are $60 in advance or $75 at the door.