Third time’s the charm? Grand Marshal Mary Waller hopes ‘Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day’ sets her on the right path, Sept. 19

Mary O'Connell Waller, Grand Marshal of the Morris County St. Patrick's Parade.
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By Michael Leavy

Much like the three leaves on a shamrock, Mary Waller for the third time will begin the long march to the streets of Morristown as the 2022 Grand Marshal of the Morris County St. Patrick’s Day parade.

It starts with a “Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day” celebration at the Dublin Pub at 2 pm this Sunday, Sept. 19, 2021.

Sean Flemming will provide entertainment. Families are encouraged to come celebrate.

The pandemic has sidelined Waller’s march down South Street for the last two years, but she’s looking forward to finally leading the parade.

Asked how she felt about the honor arriving at last, the Jersey City native replied: “It’s important to go back to traditions like this parade and the celebrations, and everyone I’ve spoken to is happy to get it back and is very encouraging.”

When asked what she was most looking forward to, she said “everything.”

“In 2020, we had to cancel the mass. And last year, we had a small celebration. I look forward to celebrating with a full house.”

Heritage is very important to Waller, who noted the first St. Patrick’s parade in America was held just up the road in Morristown. Gen. George Washington declared a celebration of St. Patrick’s day on March 17, 1780.  Irish soldiers marched and paraded in camp to honor the day.

As a volunteer on the board of Atlantic Health Systems’ Newton Medical Center, Waller feels a return to events like Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day and the parade are important to chase away pandemic depression.

“You miss tradition and heritage when it’s not there, and if you don’t try to keep it going it can be gone forever.”

Waller and parade volunteers are determined to preserve these traditions for Morristown and Morris County.

The 2022 parade is scheduled to kick off at noon on March 12, 2022. Details on future events will be shared soon on the parade website.

 

2 COMMENTS

  1. If you are so miserable being “stuck in NJ” why don’t you leave. Don’t let the door hit ya where the good Lord split ya.

  2. There’s no way the parade is happening. Local leadership won’t allow any parades unless they are sponsored by antifa, BLM or the NJEA.

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