3/16/2025, South Amboy – St. Patrick’s Day, the annual celebration of Irish culture, was observed in cities across the country with parades and festivities on Monday. In South Amboy, thousands gathered for the city's highly anticipated parade on Sunday afternoon.
People of all ages waved flags and cheered as the colorful, lively parade made its way through the heart of the city. The city center was packed with residents and visitors from several states, many of whom were adorned in green in honor of the occasion. Spectators arrived early, setting up along the parade route with snacks and hot drinks in hand, eagerly awaiting the 2:00 p.m. start time.
The parade was a vibrant display of music, dance, and street performances. Local dance troupes, schools, community organizations, and musicians took part in the celebration, which has become the cornerstone of South Amboy’s St. Patrick's Day festivities. This year’s parade was one of the largest in New Jersey, featuring 24 marching bands, floats, 67 organizations, as well as emergency vehicles from nearby communities. FASCA Princeton, an invited organization, also participated in the parade.
“The parade just gets bigger and better every year,” said Karen Chen, Executive Board member of the South Amboy St. Patrick’s Parade Committee. “It’s a true celebration of our community.”
South Amboy Mayor Mark Herdman praised the enthusiastic atmosphere in the city, where thousands of people warmly welcomed the parade participants, despite the chilly winds. Local politicians, including the mayor, joined the parade, walking alongside school marching bands, traditional Irish pipe and drum ensembles, and delegations from the South Amboy Police, Fire, and EMT departments.
This year’s grand marshal was Mark Herdman, South Amboy’s long-serving Deputy OEM Coordinator. Other notable guests included Mayor Fred Henryis, Council Chairman Micky Gross, Councilwoman Zusette Dato, Assemblyman Craig J. Coughlin, Assemblywoman Yvonne Lopez, State Senator Owen Henry, Congressman Frank Pallone Jr. (U.S. House of Representatives), Middlesex Commissioner Ronald G. Rios, and other local leaders.
FASCA Princeton, an organization representing Taiwanese culture, was one of the crowd favorites. Members of the group, dressed in traditional San Tai Zi (三太子) costumes, attracted many photo-seekers. The San Tai Zi figures, shaking hands and high-fiving children, were a hit with parade-goers, while FASCA members handed out Taiwanese-themed souvenirs such as keychains, black bear face tattoos, and snake lanterns.
Charlene Leung, Vice President of FASCA Princeton, shared her experience: "The St. Patrick’s Day event was packed with action. We helped direct the performers and ensured everything went smoothly. It was a fantastic experience to work alongside so many talented groups. Once our duties were done, we joined the parade, walking with the FASCA banner and distributing Taiwanese-themed souvenirs. It was great to see Irish culture on full display with the music and dances, while also showcasing the richness of Taiwanese culture."
