Clinton Township Newsletter

2 3 f e b r u a r y 2 0 2 4 The Friendly Sons of St. Patrick of Hunterdon County (FSSP) has named Mr. Stephen Carroll as 2024 FSSP Parade Grand Marshal and Mr. Brian Manning as 2024 Irishman of the Year. Both gentlemen received their sashes of office at a meeting of the Friendly Sons in late December 2023. FSSP President Mr. Russ Crosby saluted Steve and Brian who have been friends, brothers, and stalwarts of the Friendly Sons for over a decade. "These gentlemen embody everything that is positive about the FSSP. They tirelessly volunteer for the group and are leaders who have gained the respect of their fellow Brothers. Since joining the organization ten years ago, Steve Carroll has been a tireless volunteer for our many charitable endeavors throughout Hunterdon County as well as being a valued member of our leadership as our longtime Secretary. Brian joined the FSSP as we were starting to plan our first parade in 2014. He came with experience and enthusiasm from organizing the Mystic Irish Parade in Connecticut and has been a vital part of the success of the Parade since its inception. The Friendly Sons are delighted to be celebrating the Tenth anniversary of the Parade in 2024. We hope the entire community will enjoy our Irish Festival Weekend and help support the mission of the Friendly Sons by purchasing tickets to the events and for our 50/50 drawing." The FSSP are partnering with the Town of Clinton, Hunterdon County Rotaries Clubs, United Way, and the Red Mill Museum Village to present the Irish Festival Weekend with multiple concert, social and family- friendly events from March 8-10. The festivities are highlighted with the Tenth Anniversary FSSP St. Patrick's Day Parade stepping off at 3:00 pm on Sunday, March 10, 2024. This year's Parade will be bigger than ever with more bands, more marching groups, and more attractions! The Parade will highlight Irish American traditions and culture, including six Pipe & Drum bands, along with world-class Irish dancers, musicians, singers, public service groups, veterans, vintage cars, canine and equine groups and much more. In the ten years since the first parade in 2014 it's grown to be the largest single-day event in Clinton that is family-friendly and entertaining for all ages young and old. The Annual FSSP St. Patrick's Day Parade has been expanded to a three-day event based upon the massive community response to the 2023 festivities. All events will be held at the new Red Mill Museum Village Pavilion in a fully enclosed, heated space. Friday Festival Kickoff Concert – The Nerds. Jersey rockers, The Nerds, will be bringing their unique brand of exuberance and high energy to Clinton on Friday, March 8 at the Red Mill Museum Village Pavilion. Featuring Jim "Spaz" Garcia, on lead vocals and bass, Peter "Stretch" Oltmanns on guitar, Mike "Mongo" Spiro on keys and vocals and Jack "Biff" Yocum on drums, The Nerds have been a fixture of the Jersey Shore for years and are famous for their amazing live performances. Festivities including admission to the event, music, DJ, and beverages from Readington Brewery (included with ticket purchase) commence at 6:00 pm. Food trucks will be available for purchase of a wide variety of items. Toys and coloring books are available for the children for free. The Nerds take the stage at 8:00 pm. Tickets are $40/Adults, $10/Minors (5-20), Under-5's are free. Rotary Children's Party (Free): The Clinton Sunrise Rotary Club will be hosting a Children's Party on Saturday, March 9 at noon at the Red Mill Museum Village Pavilion. There will be step dancing lessons and demonstrations, a DJ providing music, games and crafts for the children. Drinks and food provided. Our party will feature a variety of Irish activities including: craft activities, enjoy delicious treats, and groove to some lively Irish music. Parents can relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings of the Red Mill Museum Village while their children have a fantastic time. It's a great way to spend quality time with your family and meet other members of the community. Traditional Irish Pub Night: Join the Friendly Sons for a fun-filled evening at the heated Red Mill Museum Village Pavilion. Get ready to celebrate St. Patrick's Day like never before! Grab your friends and head over to our lively pub night event. We've got everything you need to have a blast - great drinks, live music, and a friendly atmosphere. Music featuring Na'Bodach, Irish step dancers, and brews from Invertase Brewery. Food trucks will be available for purchase of a wide variety of items included several Irish Food favorites. Raise your glass and toast to the luck of the Irish! Don't miss out on this unforgettable St. Patrick's Day celebration. Toys and coloring books are available for the children for free. Tickets are $30/Adult, $10/Minors (5-20), Under 5's free. FSSP AfterParty ($50/Adult, $10/ Juniors 10-21, Under 10's free): After the exhilarating parade, come and enjoy a lively gathering filled with music, Irish dancing, and great company! Our event promises an unforgettable experience as we honor the rich traditions of St. Patrick's Day. We will be having a rip-roaring good time at the Red Mill Museum Village after the St. Patrick's Day parade! Get ready to celebrate Irish heritage, all things green, and music from The Amish Outlaws! This event is the perfect way to keep the festivities going. Dance to lively tunes, indulge in delicious food and drinks, and mingle with fellow partygoers. Whether you're Irish or just Irish at heart, this AfterParty promises a fun-filled evening you won't want to miss. Tickets include beverages (beer, wine, water and soda.) Food from local food trucks will be available to purchase. The event starts at 4:00 pm with entertainment including a DJ, Irish Dancers, Pipers and activities/toys for children. The Amish Outlaws take the stage at 6:00 pm. Tickets are $40/Adults, $10/Minors (5-20), Under-5's free. 2024 Commemorative FSSP Parade Pins: As in previous years the FSSP will be releasing a commemorative pin (available for purchase from for $5/each), featuring the Hunterdon Art Museum, to mark the 2024 Parade season, and are also releasing a special pin to celebrate the Tenth Anniversary of the FSSP St. Patrick's Day Parade! F S S p n a m e S m r . S t e p H e n c a r r o l l p a r a d e g r a n d m a r S H a l a n d m r . B r i a n m a n n i n g i r i S H m a n o F t H e y e a r F o r 2 0 2 4 ! The Tenth Anniversary FSSP St. Patrick's Day Parade will be the highlight of the Irish Festival Weekend in Clinton! Mr. Stephen Carroll Parade Grand Marshal (L) and Mr. Brian Manning Irishman (R) All tickets can be reserved at: www.facebook.com/FSSPHunterdon and at: www.eventbrite.com/cc/friendly-sons-of-st-patrick-irish-weekend-2689119

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