This Saturday, March 7, the Township of Nutley will proudly kick off its 47th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, organized by the Nutley Irish American Association (NIAA). At their March 3 meeting, the Board of Commissioners shared their enthusiasm for this beloved community tradition and formally recognized this year’s parade honorees.

“The 47th annual St Patrick's Day parade to celebrate the legend and spirit of St Patrick for a fun filled good old fashioned parade and to promote an atmosphere of benevolence, friendship and community spirit,” said Commissioner Mauro G. Tucci. “St Patrick's Day is founded on the cultural traditions of the Irish, but also the historic American commitment to embrace the multifaceted traditions of all immigrant people who have come to our shores.”

“It looks like Saturday's gonna have some beautiful weather,” added Commissioner Tom Evans. “It will be a great day for a walk. I always look forward to the parade. It's a great time.”

“Public Safety is always thrilled to help out with the parade,” stated Commissioner Alphonse Petracco. “We'll be there!” 

The parade will feature a number of Nutley community members including the Board of Commissioners and various honorees from Nutley and surrounding communities. The Grand Marshal of the parade will be Stephen “Steve” Blank, a Nutley native and one of the founders of the Nutley St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Nutley Irish American Association. “I helped start this

47 really, 48 years ago, and we only went halfway down Franklin Avenue. We could only do that at that point. But then I was 21 years old at the time, and here we are,” explained Blank. “I have a lot of good memories here, and I’ll always carry them close to my heart. Thank you.”

Other honorees include Deputy Grand Marshal Noel Lenahan and Firefighter of the Year Brandon Griffitt, both from Belleville, NJ. The 2026 NIAA Member of the Year was granted to Katherine Bennett of Belleville, NJ and the title of 2026 Queen was awarded to Victoria Healy of Nutley, NJ.

“Congratulations to all the honorees and to the great Nutley Irish committee. They always put on a great show. We're gonna have a great day,” said Commissioner Joseph P. Scarpelli. 

Mayor Kelly also showed his appreciation for the honorees and event. “Every one of you is a great representation of Irish heritage and I couldn't be happier to see all of you leading us down Franklin Avenue in representation of that Irish heritage. I'm super excited for this year's parade, and I can't wait to celebrate with each and every one of you this Saturday.”

Festivities will begin with a special Investiture Mass at 10am at St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Church. Those marching in the parade will line up at the Holy Family Roman Catholic Church at 12pm, and the parade will commence at 1pm at the intersection of Harrison Avenue and Evergreen Street. The parade route will proceed north along Franklin Avenue and end on Chestnut Street at the Review Stand in front of John Walker Middle School.

Nutley Irish American Association President, Deidre Hollywood, expressed her gratitude for the Township as well. “It's really something special that we can show them how much the town appreciates their efforts that they've done throughout their lives, really to honor our heritage, and I really do thank all of you.”