HAMPTON BAYS, NY — After news that the 2024 Hampton Bays Hibernians St. Patrick’s Day Parade would be canceled, residents cried out in sorrow and shock on social media, asking a plethora of questions as to why.
The announcement was made on the Hampton Bays Hibernians St. Patrick’s Day Parade Facebook page, noting that the Hampton Bays St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee had decided to postpone the 2024 St Patrick’s Day Parade.
“We are already planning to be back bigger and better next year with a tentative date of Saturday, March 22, 2025,” the announcement said.
Find out what's happening in Westhampton-Hampton Bayswith free, real-time updates from Patch.
The news had many residents describing how much the annual event meant to the community, and posing questions regarding what had prompted the cancellation.
Fergus Scully, a longtime Hibernian and past grand marshal, speaking only for himself and not representing the parade committee, responded on social media.
Find out what's happening in Westhampton-Hampton Bayswith free, real-time updates from Patch.
“I would like to address the reasoning of the Hampton Bays St Patrick’s Day Parade being canceled for this year. While I believe we have acted in the best interests of the parade going forward, and that the committee dealings should be kept private, unfortunately, in the age of social media there is far too much misinformation going around. People are asking for, and in some cases, demanding answers. I’m going against advice by posting this, but I would rather have the criticism addressed to me than being talked about on various Facebook groups,” he said.
The parade was started in 2006 by a group of volunteers from the local Order of Hibernians and run by a committee made up of members of the division, Scully said.
“It is with personal pride that I can say I’ve been involved in every parade to date. From building floats, to being asked to emcee the parade, a position I loved for 10 years, to being honored as grand marshal. I’ve enjoyed every parade day to the fullest,” he said.
He added: “However, things change. Membership in the Ancient Order of Hibernians has dwindled from around 150 at its peak to maybe 20 people attending meetings today. The parade committee has always been formed by members, so naturally, committee membership has declined, also.
The same few members have been tirelessly keeping the parade afloat for the last several years. We obviously need help — and maybe we have had our heads stuck in the sand, thinking we will get by. We have talked for numerous years now about opening up the committee to the outside community, and this will be done shortly,” he said.
Also, said Scully: “Last year’s parade was the smallest and shortest parade in our history, having 45 floats, bands, fire departments etc. down from a high of well over 100 participants 10 years ago. Rather than coming up with a lesser parade again this year, I personally brought a motion to the committee to cancel this year and regroup. It takes an unbelievable amount of time, money and effort to produce a parade of this size, and we are unfortunately short on all. To the committee members and volunteers and participants who have kept the parade afloat the last few years, I give you all my thanks.”
Scully reminded that he’d written his thoughts “against advice” and his words had not been edited or vetted by the committee.
“To the people on Facebook demanding answers, I hope this explains a little bit. I’m not looking for plaudits by any means, but I would like to end the negativity. I believe that the parade will be back better than ever and my sincere apologies to everyone that will miss this year’s parade,” he said. “To quote one of our most popular grand marshals, ‘Keep a good thought.'”
The announcement by the committee on Facebook read:
“We understand that so many people look forward to the parade and apologize to everyone in the community for this unforeseen circumstance. The parade committee will be actively seeking new members in the coming months with the goal of restoring the St Patrick’s Day Parade and implementing a long term plan for continued success for generations to come,” the notice read. “Thank you to everyone for your continued support and understanding regarding this difficult decision.”
The announcement was signed the Hampton Bays St Patrick’s Day Parade Committee.
According to the Hampton Bays Hibernians, the first Hampton Bays St. Patrick’s Day Parade was held in 2006 and organized by members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Michael Collins Division 11 of Hampton Bays. Division 11, formed in April, 2001, was the first AOH division on the East End of Long Island, the Hibernians said.
“The parade attracts thousands of spectators each year and features an array of entertainment from pipe bands, school marching bands, community organizations, business floats, fire departments and more,” organizers said.
Get more local news delivered straight to your inbox. Sign up for free Patch newsletters and alerts.
Click Here: montpellier rugby jersey