Break out the Bagpipes, There's a New Grand Marshal in Town

Christmas in July has nothing on the organizers of the annual Morris County's St. Patrick's Day Parade, an event that draws audiences from Chatham and other Morris County boroughs and townships.

With more six months still to pass before the region's biggest festival–which draws thousands of people every year–descends upon Morristown, its master of ceremonies, the grand marshal, has been named.

Willie Quinn, 46, said he was not aware he would be receiving the honor.

"I'm really floored by it," he said. "I didn't expect it. It was a surprise—a nice surprise."

Quinn first heard about the Morris County St. Patrick's Day Parade–held in Morristown since 1979–10 years ago.

"I felt it was a worthy cause to get involved in," he said.

It's no surprise, given his heritage. Quinn, born in County Galway, Ireland, came to the United States 23 years ago to teach, settling in Linden as a math and science teacher before changing careers and moving up to Hopatcong, in Sussex County. He became a U.S. citizen in 2001. 

As an Irishman, Quinn said St. Patrick's Day–the day all Irish honor the patron saint of Ireland–has always been special for him.

"In 23 years, I've never actually worked on St. Patrick's Day," he said. "It's my official holiday."

As grand marshal, Quinn not only serves as the parade's leader, he also is one of its primary mouthpieces, going out to the public to drum up support by attending events and raising funds.

Bill Schoeck, co-chair of the 2011 St. Patrick's Day Parade committee, said Quinn was an obvious choice to grand marshal, noting his presence in most of the parade's committees over the years. He also noted Quinn's outside involvement in other Irish organizations, including the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick and the Irish American Association of Northwest Jersey, where Quinn served several years as president.

"He is deserving and has earned this type of recognition," Schoeck said. "No one is more deserving than him."

Quinn, like Schoeck, plays bagpipes for the Rory O'Moore Pipe and Drum Band. Both men said they hoped their band would be named to lead off the parade. However, "it's up to another coordinator," Quinn said.

"I'll definitely request it, but I hear the line of march coordinator is a pretty tough cookie," he said. "I also happen to be married to her."

Quinn will be formally introduced as the parade's Grand Marshal Sept. 12 at the 29th-annual Irish Festival at the Sussex County Fairgrounds, in Augusta.

The annual Morris County St. Patrick's Day Parade will be held in Morristown on March 12, 2011.