Celebrate Irish Pride at the Morristown St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2026

Every March, Morristown turns a little greener, a little louder, and a lot more festive. Bagpipes echo through downtown, Irish dancers bring energy to the streets, and families gather along the sidewalks for one of Morris County’s most beloved traditions—the Morristown St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2026.

Set for Saturday, March 14 at noon, this year’s parade promises another unforgettable celebration of Irish heritage, community spirit, and Morris County pride. Whether you’re a longtime attendee or experiencing it for the first time, there’s nothing quite like the energy of parade day in Morristown.

A Parade with Deep Roots in Morris County

While St. Patrick’s Day celebrations date back centuries, Morris County holds a special place in the holiday’s American story.

During the harsh winter encampment of 1779–1780 at Jockey Hollow, General George Washington gave his Irish troops the day off on March 17, 1780, marking what is widely recognized as the first St. Patrick’s Day celebration in the United States.

The modern Morris County St. Patrick’s Day Parade began in 1979 in Wharton, organized by the Irish American Association of Northwest Jersey. As the event grew in popularity, it eventually found its permanent home in Morristown in 1991, where it has flourished ever since. Today, the parade features:

• 110+ marching groups
• Over 4,000 marchers
• 20+ bands
• Crowds of 50,000–70,000 spectators each year

It has become one of the largest and most anticipated St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in New Jersey.

Honoring the 2026 Grand Marshal: Michael G. Bannon

Leading the Morristown St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2026 is Grand Marshal Michael G. Bannon of Roxbury, a longtime volunteer and dedicated supporter of Irish heritage in Morris County.

Born and raised in Rockaway Township, Bannon traces his Irish roots to County Tipperary and carries forward a strong family tradition of service. For more than 35 years, he has volunteered with the Morris County St. Patrick’s Day Parade while also serving as a member and former president of both the Friendly Sons of Saint Patrick of Morris County and the Irish American Association of Northwest Jersey.

His community involvement also includes leadership roles with the Knights of Columbus, ARC Morris, and the DAWN Center for Independent Living, along with organizing an annual cleanup of historic Saint Patrick’s Cemetery in Upper Hibernia.

When the parade steps off on March 14, Bannon will proudly lead the march alongside his family.

Opening the Parade: Peter Ecklund

The honor of Parade Starter this year goes to Peter Ecklund of Hopatcong, who will begin the festivities by cutting the traditional green ribbon at the head of the parade route.

Ecklund has deep ties to the Morris County St. Patrick’s Day Parade, having volunteered in several leadership roles between 2006 and 2020, including trustee, treasurer, and chair of the Grand Marshal Selection Committee.

A Vietnam-era U.S. Army veteran, Ecklund is also active in several Irish American organizations throughout the region. His dedication to volunteerism and Irish culture makes him a fitting choice to help launch one of Morris County’s most celebrated traditions.

What to Expect on Parade Day

The Morristown St. Patrick’s Day Parade transforms South Street into a lively celebration of culture, music, and tradition. The day begins with Mass at Assumption Church at 10:00 AM, honoring Irish heritage and St. Patrick himself. From there, the excitement builds as spectators line the streets ahead of the noon parade start. As the parade steps off, expect to see:

• Traditional Irish pipe and drum bands
• Irish dancers performing along the route
• Local community groups and cultural organizations
• Fire companies and civic organizations
• Colorful floats and festive displays
• Families proudly wearing green and waving Irish flags

The parade route winds through historic downtown Morristown, including around the iconic Morristown Green, making it one of the most scenic and spirited community events of the year.

A Community Celebration Powered by Volunteers

One of the most remarkable aspects of the parade is that it is entirely volunteer-run and fully self-funded.

More than 75 volunteers contribute over 2,500 hours each year to organize the event. The parade receives no public funding, relying instead on generous support from corporate sponsors, individual donors, and the annual souvenir Ad Journal. Over the years, the parade organization has also given back to the community, including:

• More than $250,000 donated to the Town of Morristown
• Nearly $350,000 donated to local charitable organizations

It’s a tradition built not just on heritage, but on community generosity and pride.

Join the Celebration

For locals, the parade marks the unofficial start of spring. For visitors, it’s a chance to experience Morris County at its most vibrant. With music, culture, history, and thousands of smiling faces lining the streets, the Morristown St. Patrick’s Day Parade 2026 captures the true spirit of community celebration. So grab your green, bring your friends and family, and join Morris County for a day filled with Irish pride.

The Morris County Tourism Bureau will see you there! Sláinte!