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ROBBINSVILLE: St. Patrick’s Day Parade set for Saturday

   ROBBINSVILLE — The Robbinsville Irish Heritage Association (RIHA) is sponsoring the township’s second annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday, March 19.
   The opening ceremonies begin at noon at the Foxmoor Shopping Center, corner of Route 33 and Washington Boulevard. The parade will begin at 1 p.m., work its way through the Town Center and end at the parking lot behind the businesses on routes 33 and 526.
   ”Our parade will be larger and we are expecting a much larger turnout this year,” said Jim O’Donnell, president of the RIHA. “We welcome all to our community to enjoy the festivities and excitement of the parade. Please join us as we celebrate this special day.”
   This year the RIHA will honor Maurice T. Perilli, chairman of Roma Bank, as the grand marshal, and Elizabeth Buckley Franken as Irish Person of the Year. Mrs. Franken is known for her many years as a resident and supporter of all things Robbinsville. The pair was recently honored at a Robbinsville Township Council meeting with special resolutions.
   This year’s parade will feature several area bagpipe bands, Irish dancers and the Robbinsville High School marching band, along with marching groups from the New Jersey Renaissance Fair and other local groups. In all, a total of 46 groups are expected this year, up from 38 last year.
   Following the parade will be a party at Ernie’s Tavern on Main Street in Robbinsville. Pre-sale tickets are available at several local outlets including Maggie Moo’s, Santino’s Pizza and Ernie’s Tavern. Currently available are special green hair extensions from Hair It Is Salon in Foxmoor Shopping Center. Proceeds directly benefit the parade.
   RIHA’s purpose is to foster an understanding and appreciation of Irish cultural values and heritage, and to be the nexus for cultural events and activities for Robbinsville Township. The organization also promotes and brings together all good things about Ireland. In addition, it supports and promotes local charitable activities within the community, county and state.
   For more information, including a map of the parade route, visit www.robbinsvilleirish.org or call 609-529-6611.