By Marianne Christy
For the past 37 years, Jack Moore of Old Forge has found himself cross-bar, providing beverages to customers celebrating festivities on or around St. Patrick’s Day.
Fifteen of those years have been spent with fellow bartenders at the TOW Bar as they fulfill the orders of the hordes of local and visiting revelers who gather at the busy corner hotspot to view Old Forge’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
But this year Moore will be serving in a whole new capacity on the opposite side of the bar having been selected as the parade’s Grand Marshal.
Working in a tourist-driven town, Moore has seen his share of fast-moving, behind-the-bar action throughout the years, however he cites the day of the St. Paddy’s Parade as his favorite.
“I’ve always loved working during the parade. It gets crazy, but everyone is happy and having a great time. From the beginning I have loved the parade, and I am honored and excited to participate at this level,” Moore said.
Despite possible chilly temps and the event being held on Friday the 13th of March, co-organizers Chip Kiefer and Tim Foley are confident that “the luck of the Irish” will rule on parade day.
“As in past years, the Parade will have a sunny vibe due to the great spirits of the participants who tap into their creative selves and the vast audience that gathers along Main Street to cheer them on,” Kiefer said.
Parade organizers, TOW Publicity Director Mike Farmer, and TOW Police remind participants and the public that, as always, safety is paramount during the parade.
Both sides of Main Street from Helmer’s parking lot to the busy corner will be blocked off and restricted from parking to assure an unobstructed viewing experience for parade-goers.
Consumption of alcohol on floats and by participants is also restricted. Tossing candy or any other treats that would encourage children or others to run into the street is also restricted.
Parade line-up begins at 4:45 p.m. from Keyes Pancake House. The parade begins at 5 p.m.
The Irish Stew Cook-Off will take place at the Old Forge Fire Hall following the parade. Irish soda bread, green drinks and goodies will also be served.
For further information contact Kiefer at Souvenir Village by calling (315) 369-3811.
The parade is sponsored by the Central Adirondack Association (CAA), Souvenir Village and The Foley Law Firm.
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Editor’s Note: Last week’s front page story announced the Murphy family as parade marshals. However, due to family scheduling conflicts they had to decline. Chip Kiefer attributes his premature announcement to “Murphy’s Law.”