Grand Marshal Selected: See Who's Leading Morris Co. St. Paddy's Day Parade

MORRISTOWN, NJ — Organizers of the Morris County Saint Patrick’s Day Parade have made their selection for who will lead the procession come March.

Michael G. Bannon, of Roxbury, will serve as the parade’s 2026 Grand Marshal.

Bannon has been contributing to the Morris County St. Patrick’s Day Parade since it was moved to Morristown in 1991. He’s a member and former president of the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick of Morris County and the Irish-American Association of Northwest Jersey.

“I’m honored and somewhat overwhelmed by the response from friends and family for selection,” Bannon said in a statement.

Bannon’s Irish roots can be traced back to his great-grandfather, William, who was born on a steamship leaving Ireland during the Potato Famine in the mid-19th Century.

Bannon was born and raised in Roxbury to his parents, Emma and Edward, who served during World War II.

He retired from his management and sales job in the private security business during the pandemic, and now focuses on several different volunteer efforts.

Bannon’s community effort stretches far beyond the parade. The 2026 Grand Marshal led the cleanup of the abandoned St. Patrick’s cemetery in Rockaway, which holds the graves of immigrants from the 1800s who worked in the area's coal mines.

Additionally, Bannon serves as Vice Board Chairman for DAWN Center for Independent Living as well as the Knights of Columbus Ambassador for ARC Morris. He is a former Grand Knight in the
Morristown Knights of Columbus, parade officials added.

“Mike’s passion for Irish culture and his dedication to the parade make this a long overdue honor,” said Publicity Coordinator Mike Leavy. “We can’t wait to march behind him in Morristown.”

The 2026 Morris County St. Patrick’s Day Parade will step off at noon on March 14 in Morristown. Click here for more information and updates about the parade.