Front porches decorated with the golden colors of autumn, bright orange pumpkins, a few with hay bales and tied corn stalks. Blue skies, brilliant sunshine, and Irish flag banners snapping in the breeze.
Wait, what?

The Village of Montgomery’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade was held Saturday, October 2 with the longest reigning Grand Marshall, Jack “Officer Jack” Smith.

“Officer Jack was chosen for a number of reasons,” explained event Co-Chair Amy McKenna. “He is well known as the Montgomery Elementary School DARE officer and is a well respected member of the community. He was selected in 2019 for his various contributions and since the parade could not happen last year due to Covid, he is our Grand Marshall for 2021.”

“I’m really excited we are able to honor Jack Smith for all of his contributions, especially his involvement with the DARE program,” added Marc Devitt.

Smith’s wife of 49 years, Marilyn, shared, “I want to thank everyone from the Ramble committee for everything from me and my family.”

In addition to celebrating the green, this event as well as the Ramble (a 5k which was held prior) are fundraisers benefitting The Community Foundation of Orange and Sullivan Counties.

“We have raised over $45,000 since 2013,” said McKenna, “and the funds are used to support families in need for various reasons. At the conclusion of the parade, winners will be drawn for a large raffle that includes a first prize of $4,000 cash.”

Participants in the parade included local families, businesses, service organizations, fire trucks and several pipe and drum bands played.

Among the concluding activities of the day, members of AOH Orange County Division 1 Pipe Band performed with the NYS Emerald Society Pipe Band and everyone very much enjoyed the collaboration.

Watch for the 2022 festivities and details to be announced on Facebook.