Montauk Pioneer - March 27, 2009

No matter what is happening in the world, year after year, Montauk always has a good time during its St. Patrick's Day Parade. "This has got to be the largest parade I have ever seen, and I've been coming to it for the last 20 years," Michael Ulettlistein said while watching.

Grand Marshal Fran Ecker was all smiles as she began the march, which included hilarious floats, fantastic Irish marching bands and endless displays of love and Americana.

Flying overhead was a Coast Guard helicopter, buzzing the crowd to its delight. The Coast Guard also sent out one of its jets to zoom the crowd, and stunt plane pilots circled all of Montauk, firing smoke out of the back of their engines.

The Gurney's Inn float was hard to miss, a whacky display of stationary bicycles spinning and riders peddling away with Ingrid Lemme marching and leading the crowd. Every float was notable, but once again the "Cone Heads" made a very hilarious float, which included two cone heads driving around in a cart decorated with hedges all around it. On top of the cart read "Hedge Fund." They were followed by and unbelievably funny "Michael Phelps Cone Head," a tall young man walking around with a large cardboard bong while wearing a professional swimsuit. The Friends Of Erin marched along, commanding respect and admired by all, and the Montauk Food Pantry, donned with a man in a hot dog suit kept people cheery. County Legislator Jay Schneiderman, the always charming politician, pulled along his two children in a wagon as they waved and gave out candy.

John Behan narrated the entire parade effectively and comically, delivering his funny quips and adding a personal touch to the most well run parade in the entire country, if not the world.

There is no question that this parade is by far the best parade anybody has ever been to, and Montaukers live up to this standard almost naturally. The amazing hard work and dedication by everyone involved, especially the local community, is uncanny and does not go unnoticed by the countless businesses that enjoyed the extra injection of tourism into Montauk during a fairly cold time of the year.

Police on patrol kept the parade safe, including Officer Greg Martin, of the East Hampton Town Police Department, who was on patrol expertly stopping problems before they started.

Other police officers patrolled the scene on bicycles and on foot, ensuring safety and keeping the parade a true family affair.

And that it was, with countless children under ten, looking out at the large fire trucks with Irish eyes and smiling for candy. You would have thought that marchers were throwing out money into the crowd they were so excited, as some ran at full speed and would dive for candy as fast as they could.

Standing directly next to me was a family who had traveled all the way from Ireland because they had heard about what an amazing parade they have in Montauk during St. Patty's Day weekend.

The participation of the crowd is also remarkable. Nearly every person there had some sort of makeup, green colored clothing or giant Irish hat. Few people had any reservations about anything, and I did not see a single frown on anyone's face. There was truly a sense of escape in Montauk, where kids could be kids, and adults could loosen up and enjoy their families.

As the parade came down to its final float, Ecker walked from the announcing stands were Behan and other important members of the community sat and got into a police car. "Oh no! They are arresting the Grand Marshal!" Behan joked as she headed off down the street and the crowd began to disperse, all of them heading to a nearby bar, restaurant or bar-b-que.

Thanks again to the Friends of Erin, the Montauk Chamber of Commerce and the Montauk community for making this parade happen and for making Montauk the best place to be, hands down, last Sunday.