An estimated 30,000 to 40,000 visitors braved chilly temperatures and brisk winds to attend the the 52nd annual Montauk Friends of Erin St. Patrick's Day parade that was slated to begin at 11:30. . .but began fashionably late.
The L.I.R.R. had scheduled three extra trains departing from Jamaica at 7:10 a.m., 8:10 a.m. and 10:10 a.m. Travel time is approximately 2 and a half hours. Another train was scheduled to leave Bablylon at 8:50 arriving in Montauk just after 11 a.m.
The parade, which begins at the Montauk Firehouse and makes a dog-leg before heading west on Main Street, was lined with spectators, many dressed in appropriate Gallic Green.
Dave and Patty Flannagan of Northport-Huntington are annual attendees to the fair. This year Dave made a concession to the Irish and wore a bright green t-shirt; his wife was bundled up against the brisk winds off the ocean and sported a stylish leprechaun chapeau.
Denise Bradley, who came with friends and family from Coram, wore a slouchy-chic shamrock hat and a feather boa. Her two daughters sported green mustaches. Family friends, the Eggermans went with a more urban-hipster Shamrock style wearing hoodies and green beads and smiles all around.
Next up in the stylin' department was East Hampton's own Ray Brown, his wife, Lily Baron, friend Karen Kluglein and the very dapper Mr. Ray Brown Sr. who barely looked a day older than his son. Both Mr. Browns wore green, but Jr.'s was a specially knit beret worn at a jaunty angle and knitted by his aunt. It seems some years ago when Ray was a fireman he went out and lost his hat with his badge pinned to it. . .Auntie remedied that with a creative solution and now all the members of the Emerald Society wear similar hats and they rarely loose their badges anymore.
Dierdre Shea of Nutley, N.J. also wore a apple green boa. . .but somewhat obscured by an ivory infinity scarf to ward off the chill. Her daughter, Marina made a concession to the Irish with a pretty green bow in her hair. The Sheas are regulars at the parade and have family who live in the area.
Martina Reese, of Amagansett, made it a date with her boyfriend Corey Fisher. She wore a headband with shamrock antenna to channel all the holiday cheer. "We come every year," Corey said. "It's just the first time we're not drinking." They didn't seem to miss it if the happy expressions were an indication.
Finally, as the parade was winding its way towards Main Street and the bag pipes filled the air with their nostalgic melody Paul Monte, this year's Grand Marshall, gave a big hello to the crowd to a round of applause.
For a history of the Montauk St. Patrick's Day Parade see East Hampton Star editor David Rattray's excellent essay on the Star's website.
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