DAN'S PAPERS, March 26, 2010 Page 21 www.danshamptons.com
Montauk Gets Its Irish On By T.J. Clemente This year, the 48th Friends of Erin Parade in Montauk was its usual spectacle with a mixed bags of trickster floats, historical fire trucks, and a sprinkling of politicians who felt popular enough at the moment to march along with the drums, bands, bagpipers and neighbors. The parade, led as always by the Amityville Highlanders Bagpipers, headed down Main Street in Montauk as a testimony to civic pride and a homage to Irish heritage—all for charity. This year’s Grand Marshal, Craig Tuthill, attended the first parade with his grandfather E.B. Tuthill, who lent his lumberyard flatbed truck as one of the earliest floats. The early parades went in the opposite direction ending at the Montauk Firehouse. “We used to serve about 150 people hotdogs afterwards at the firehouse,” Tuthill said. Executive Director of the Montauk Chamber of Commerce Laraine
Creegan, said the Chamber mugs (its annual parade commemorative) sold briskly. The popular soup stand manned by Carl Darenberg and his crew of chamber volunteers continued to be a popular spot to view the parade. The efforts of Friends of Erin President Joe Bloecker, and President of the Ladies Auxiliary Maureen Keller manifested themselves in a glorious event. It isn’t uncommon to see three generations of families watching from vantage points every year. This year’s crowd was down, (around 35,000) from the record estimate of three years ago of 47,000.The fine weather had everyone in high feather with the “Tiger Woods and His Mistresses” float getting laughs, as well as the annual “Coneheads” float, which this year was a takeoff on the movie Avatar. Once again, Nancy Atlas did her salute to Elvis with many fans and friends on board. New East Hampton Town
Board members marched, along with Montauk resident, Board member Julia Prince, very much with child. Supervisor William Wilkinson, also a Montauk resident, made an appearance as did County Representative Jay Schneiderman and his children. What makes this parade so Montauk is the sheer enthusiasm of its residents. It launches the tourist season in Montauk with the first infusion of much needed customers to the town. Afterwards, the sea of folks green from head to toe with T-shirts, hats, hair, face paint, nylons and yes, green false teeth, headed to the trains and cars to exit town. According to Grand Marshal Tuthill, “The first Grand Marshal 48 years ago was Leo Burke, a good friend of my grandfather’s and my father’s.” The sound of the bagpipes echo off the roar of the surf. The faces in some families age as younger ones appear. It’s how traditions grow. The East End’s Favorite Kids Party Spot!
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