Keelen will be parade grand marshal in Keansburg

Keansburg's own Tommy Keelen is going to be the grand marshal for the Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade in his town.

The parade will be held on March 31, at 1 p.m. The kick off will take place on Main Street, at the Boardwalk East.

"This parade hasn't been in the borough for over 20 years and so this will be the first annual," Keelen said.

There will be five piper bands aqnd more than 30 local sponsors. There will also be about a half-dozen corporate sponsors for the event.

"We're expecting about 10,000 people for the day," Keelen said. "Itis a great family event and there's something for everyone." The parade will end at the Keansburg Amusement Park, which is also a corporate sponsor.

Something of note is that the amusement park will be opening on the day of the parade for the season. According to Keelen, this marks a first for the park. And, the Keansburg event is also going to be the last St. Patrick's Day celebration in the area, so event-goers will be able to arrange their schedules.

Deputy grand marshals include Father Daniel Cahill, St. Ann's Church, and businessman Charles Hockey, who owns Shamrock Stagecoach in the borough.

For information about the event, call Keelen at (732) 670-3306.