Annual Irish Festival, Parade Brings Marchers, Music, Road Closures

LONG BEACH, NY — Irish eyes will be smiling as Long Beach residents celebrate at the annual Irish Heritage Parade and Festival.

The parade, in its 35th year, steps off from Washington Boulevard and West Park Avenue. It continues to Beech Street in the West End.

This year's Grand Marshal is the Michael Diamond Charitable Foundation.

The Ancient Order of Hibernians Division 17 organizes the Oct. 5 event. It takes place rain or shine.

If you'd like to march in the parade, email lbaohevents@gmail.com.

Plan accordingly, as there will be no parking on West Beech Street between New York Avenue and Connecticut Avenue from 6 a.m. until 7 p.m.

However, the LIRR parking garage will provide free spaces for spectators. The West End bus will run in a continuous loop during the festival. All city buses will offer free fares to passengers after 4 p.m. on Oct. 5.

The festival, which features music, street vendors and food trucks, starts at 10 a.m. The parade steps off at 11 a.m.