Hackettstown’s 17th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Every year, Hackettstown holds its annual St. Patrick’s Day parade, an Irish-American tradition. This year, the event was held on March 8 and started at 3:30 p.m., but many viewers showed up early to find their place in the very packed crowd. The parade travels down most of Main Street, making the most popular spots to stand in front Marley’s Gotham Grill and House of Jerky.  

During the parade, participants included many Irish dance groups, bands, and community groups- including Centenary University’s float. Among the people in the parade, lots of furry friends were in attendance, too. Even if your dog isn’t a part of the contest, the St. Patrick’s Day parade is a pet-friendly event, and, next year, your four legged pal can tag along. 

The St. Patrick’s Day Parade is loud, with festive music and sirens from the many firetrucks included in the parade. If you need a place with minimal noise, there’s the Quiet Sensory Zone, marked by bright lawn signs and located on W. Plane Street and going all the way to Center Street.

Many bands marched down Main Street playing traditional bagpipes and drums. These bands included the Colonial Marketeers (left) and the Morris County Police Pipes and Drums (right). (Photos taken by Elizabeth May)

Following the bands, festive floats meandered down Main Street including Atlantic Health (left) and Centenary University (right). (Photos taken by Elizabeth May)

Beyond the  entertainment, vendors walked the streets with light-up bubble wands and festive shamrock pretzels from the Philly Pretzel Factory, located at 150 Mountain Ave., Hackettstown. (Photos taken by Elizabeth May)

No festival is complete without the inclusion of some furry companions. This year, local pups competed in a St. Patrick's Day themed costume contest. (Photos taken by Elizabeth May)

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Next year, set aside time to dedicate to this Hackettstown tradition and come to the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade. 

Don’t forget to wear green!