Christine Rice, the Grand Marshal of the 2024 Glen Cove St. Patrick’s Day Parade, was installed at a grand Irish party, traditionally called a “hooley,” on Saturday, Feb. 17 at St. Rocco Parish Hall. Along with Christine, Patricia Victoria, the Aide to the Grand Marshal, also was installed. Both Christine and Patricia received Irish sashes from parade Chairwoman Lisa Forgione on behalf of the Glen Cove parade committee.
A hooley is a fun word for a lively, informal Irish house party. It’s a tradition that dates back in Ireland and Irish America to the days before radio and TV. It still lingers among people who understand how much fun it can be for friends and family to entertain each other. The party centers around the idea of the “party piece”. A lot of people come to the party prepared with at least one party piece of entertainment – a song or a tune on an instrument, a stepdance, a poem, a recitation, or a joke or story to tell – for the enjoyment of everyone at the party. It was a great turnout with members of the Ancient Order of the Hibernians, Ladies AOH, Senior Center, and friends and family. A great time was had by all.
All proceeds of the evening’s fundraiser goes to support the Glen Cove Sage Foundation, benefiting the Glen Cove Senior Center and NOSH Delivers, a non-profit organization that brings food to local families that struggle with food insecurity.
The Glen Cove St. Patrick’s Day Parade receives NO public or municipal financial support. We depend solely on corporate sponsorship and individual donations to the Glen Cove Parade Committee Inc. All parade expenses are paid in this way and all amounts collected in excess of those expenses are donated to charities, including The Glen Cove SAGE Foundation. Please visit glencoveparade.com to learn more or to support the charities.
—Submitted by the Glen Cove Parade Committee, Inc.
