Patrick's Day in Highlands

The Highlands Business Partnership will paint the town green on Saturday, March 19, 2:00 PM, when nearly 100 marching units, including bagpipers, marching bands and floats, line up to march in the ninth Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Celebration.

Mr. Doug Douty will lead the parade as the 2011 Grand Marshal. Doug is married to Debbie Douty, and proud the father of Sean, Matthew and Megan. Doug is the owner of the Lusty Lobster Seafood Company located on Bay Avenue and has been a Highlands business owner for thirty (30) years. He is an outstanding member of the community and is known for his generousity to many local organizations and charity groups.

2011Grand Marshal
Douglas Douty
Highlands Business Owner
Lusty Lobster Seafood Co.
Celebrating 30 Years

2010 Grand Marshal
Mrs. Dorothy Kovic
Resident & Business Owner

2009 Grand Marshal
Mr. Doug Lentz
Co- owner of the Inlet Café

2008 Grand Marshal
Mr. Jim Filip
owner/operator of
Doris & Ed's Restaurant

2007 Grand Marshal
Raymond Cosgrove
Highlands Business Owner
Bahrs Restaurant & Marina
Celebrating 90 years

2007 Deputy Grand Marshal
Freeholder Anna C. Little ESQ.
Highlands Resident and
Business Owner

2006 Grand Marshal
Highlands Councilman
Frank Lynch Nolan

2005 Grand Marshal
Highlands Chief Of Police
Joseph R. Blewett

2004 Grand Marshal
Highlands Councilman
John Urbanski

2003 Grand Marshal
Highlands Mayor
Richard O'Neil

Click Here to see photos of
St. Patrick's Day in Highlands

The parade will begin at Huddy Park, with hundreds scheduled to march along a one-mile stretch of Bay Avenue in the Highlands business district. The Highlands Business Partnership will host the annual “Competition of Floats”. All Businesses and/or Organizations in Highlands will be competing in three (3) categories; “Best of Show”, “Prettiest” and the “Most Original”. In addition, a trophy will be presented for the “Best of Apparatus”. All fire companies will honor a silent march in tribute to all of our fallen fire fighters.

The parade will feature entertainers along with many marchers representing the military, including the Color Guard. Political, civic, church, environmental and community organizations represented will include, County Freeholders, members of local American Legion, VFW posts, fire companies, first aid rescue units, Highlands Recreation, and the Lakewood Blue Claws with “Buster”, the baseball team’s mascot. If Buster spots you wearing the Blue Claws logo, you will receive a free ticket to a Lakewood Blue Claws baseball game.

Mr. Elliott will lead the Henry Hudson Regional Marching Band and Cheerleaders performing with 110 members of the band. The Parade entertainment will include the Monmouth County Police and Fire Pipes and Drums, the Jersey Shore Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh Pipe and Drum Band, the Ocean County Emerald Society, the Staten Island Pipe and Drum Band, Middlesex County Police and Fire Pipes and Drums, the Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh Pipes and Drums of Old Bridge and more.

A VIP grandstand for dignitaries will be in front of Borough Hall at 171 Bay Avenue for the marchers and bands to make a brief stop to be recognized at the Grand Viewing Stand. Green balloons and bows will decorate participating businesses along the parade route. A VIP grandstand for dignitaries will be in front of Borough Hall at 171 Bay Avenue for the marchers and bands to make a brief stop at the Grand Viewing Stand to be recognized.

There will be a lucky winner of the Highlands Business Partnership’s Annual “Pot of Gold” 50/50 Raffle. Only 300 tickets printed. If you enjoy the parade, please support the non-profit Highlands Business Partnership and purchase a 50/50 ticket for $50. You may write a check for the ticket if purchased in advance through March 10th. If ALL 300 tickets sell, the lucky winner will receive $7500. All proceeds will pay the pipers!

Parade-goers can be sure to receive free giveaways thrown from the many floats competing in the parade. If you have not had enough pipes and drums, be sure to visit one of Highlands’ twenty restaurants where a band will be performing.

The Highlands Business Partnership is a commercial alliance dedicated to the community. This parade is made possible by the Highlands Business Partnership and it’s generous sponsors, Comcast, 95.9 WRAT Radio, T&M Assocaites, Shore Point Distributors, Frank Rahm Landscaping and Hufnagel Tree Experts. For additional information visit www.highlandsnj.com or call 732.291.4713.