Main Street will be the heart of everything Irish starting 12:30 pm. The parade will stretch from North Boulevard in Lake Como to Fifth Avenue in Belmar, and will feature more than 5,000 marchers, as many as 20 floats and a host of bands.
For family fun, there will be food, drinks and entertainment at Patrick’s Party under the Big Top at Belmar Plaza. From noon to 5 pm, the tent will feature face painters, balloon artists, games and giveaways, including the chance to win tickets to the Belmar Restaurant Tour on March 10. At the tent, adults can look forward to a free beverage of choice (from Irish coffee to a pint of Guinness) with their $10 tickets; kids’ tickets are $5 and include a free hot dog and beverage.
There’s no need to stress about the commute. NJ Transit will offer extra train service on parade day for the North Jersey Coast Line, running from Long Branch to Bay Head. (For the complete timetable, click here).
Families can opt for the Family Super Saver Fare where up to two children, ages 5 to 11, can ride free with a fare-paying adult from 7 pm Friday to 6 am Monday. But don’t push your Irish luck; alcoholic beverages are strictly prohibited on the trains.