David “Bear” Parker, a lifelong Highlands resident, is the son of Victor F. Parker and Regina M. Wilder. There is a long history of Parkers in Highlands and the Navesink Section of Middletown Township. David is married to Patricia Burton, and they have five children and two grandchildren. Dave is currently employed as the Assistant Fire Chief of Ops at the US Army Picatinny Arsenal since 2009, the Borough’s Fire Marshal since 2001, and the Emergency Management Coordinator since 1997. Dave has secured over $1,000,000 in grants and awards for the Borough. He was previously employed as the Firefighter Captain at Ft. Monmouth for over nine years. Dave also has a long history of volunteer service to our community. He has been a Highlands fireman since 1984 and served the department as Chief in 1996 and 2010. Dave is also a lifetime member of the Highlands First Aid Squad and served as Captain from 1991-1993. He is a member of the US Army’s Emergency First responder program and recently has been nominated for the 2013 Department of Defense’s Civilian Fire Fighter of the year award. Mr. Parker has coordinated and managed many major incidents in Highlands such as the 1992 NE storm, 9-11-2001, Hurricane Irene, and Hurricane Sandy. The Highlands Business Partnership is proud to have Rebecca, Dave, and the First Responders lead the 2013 St. Patrick's Day Parade.

We are proud to honor Highlands First Aid Captain, Ray Vargas as St. Brendan the Navigator. The parade will begin at Huddy Park with hundreds scheduled to march along a one-mile stretch of Bay Avenue. 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 Congressman Pallone, members of Assembly, County Freeholders, members of local American Legion, VFW posts, fire companies, and first aid rescue units. The local Boy & Girl Scout troops, both celebrating over 100 years of service, will also be participating.

The Henry Hudson Regional Marching Band and Cheerleaders will be performing with over 100 members of the band. The Parade entertainment will include the Monmouth County Police & Fire Pipe & Drums, Ocean County Emerald Society Pipe & Drums, Staten Island Pipes & Drums, Middlesex County Police & Fire Pipes and Drums, Union County Police & Fire Pipes & Drums, Friendly Sons of the Shillelagh Pipes & Drums of Old Bridge, Essex County Emerald Society Police & Fire Pipes & Drums, and the Pipes and Drums of the Atlantic Watch. There will be a special guest appearance of spectacular Irish dancers from the Daly Irish Dance School.

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. There the marchers and bands will make a brief stop at the Grand Viewing Stand to be recognized. Don’t miss the lucky winner of the Highlands Business Partnership’s “Pot of Gold” 50/50 Raffle. The drawing will be held at 171 Bay Avenue on Sunday, March 24th at 3:00PM, and the winner need not be present. Please support the non-profit Highlands Business Partnership and purchase a 50/50 ticket. All proceeds “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’s many restaurants where a band will be performing.

This parade is made possible by the Highlands Business Partnership and its generous sponsors: Seastreak, Shore Point Distributing Company, Brown Forman-Jack Daniels, Frank Rahm Landscaping, Hufnagel Tree Experts, T&M Associates, Sprinkle Masters, and 95.9 WRAT Rat Radio. For additional information, call 732.291.4713 or visit www.highlandsnj.com.