Caroline O’Toole, the manager of the legendary Stone Pony in Asbury Park, has been named Grand Marshall for the Asbury Park Saint Patrick’s Day Parade scheduled for March 12.
Raised in Wall Township, O’Toole began managing the Stone Pony in 2003 before moving to the city in 2006. Since 2008 O’Toole has also been the concessions manager for the Paramount Theatre and Convention Hall. From her first day working in Asbury Park she has worked tirelessly to help benefit the many organizations of Asbury Park and is being honored for her many services to the Asbury Park community.
In 2014 a small committee gathered to craft a parade that celebrates St. Patrick while acknowledging the diversity of the people and culture of Asbury Park. Much thought went into the original concept to make certain that it was all inclusive, unique to Asbury Park while still incorporating the most loved traditions of a good old fashioned parade.
Each year there is a local level participation from honoring our veterans, to the Boy & Girl Scouts, dance schools, local high school marching bands, local police and first responders to acknowledging the things that make it uniquely Asbury.
The parade features the bicycle church, animal rescue, floats with live music representing the Lakehouse Music students, The Saint, The Asbury Festhalle and Biergarten, The Stone Pony, The Wonder Bar and zombies. Then there are the good old fashioned parade elements featuring national award winning mummers, clowns on stilts as well as pipe and drum organizations from around the state.
Each year the organizers have been able to make donations to charitable organizations including the Asbury Park Little League, The Center, the Asbury Park Historical Society, AP FD Local 384, A.P. Recreation and the victims of the Orlando shooting.
The following fundraisers are scheduled:
2/12 The Green Dragon Breakfast Buffet at Taka on Cookman Avenue
2/19 Brisket & Brew at the Anchors Bend, AP Boardwalk North End
2/26 ShamRock & Roll at The Wonder Bar
3/2 The Grand Marshall Dinner held annually at Jimmy’s on Asbury Avenue.
Members of the parade committee are Garrett Giberson, president; Sammy Boyd, vice president and committee members include: Eilleen Chapman, Judi Yaccarino, The Asbury Park Chambers of Commerce, The Asbury Ushers, and Chris Femiano and Debbie Delisa for Madison Marquette.
For more information on upcoming events or how to be involved with the parade follow them on Facebook here.
