Essex County commissioners honor parade volunteers, name grand marshals and preview parade dates

The Essex County Board of Commissioners hosted a Salute to the Irish celebration, honoring parade organizers and announcing dates for area Saint Patrick’s Day parades. Carlos Pommares, president of the Essex County Board of Commissioners, opened the evening by thanking volunteers and saying the event “recognizes the diversity of Essex County” and commemorates its Irish heritage.

Commissioner Brendan Gale presented commendations to parade committees from Newark, Nutley and West Orange and introduced several honorees, including Jack Dahl as the 2026 grand marshal of the Newark St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Tom Brannon as a West Orange grand marshal. Gale noted the county’s support for community and recreation centers and encouraged residents to attend the upcoming events.

Jack Dahl, introduced by the board as Newark’s grand marshal, thanked officials and parade volunteers and recalled the role of Irish Americans in local institutions. Dahl noted the Newark parade’s history and the board’s recognition of the committee’s work; the Newark contingent is scheduled to march on March 13.

Tom Brannon, introduced as West Orange’s grand marshal, said the parades “are living tributes to the generations of Irish Americans who help build our neighborhoods” and thanked the commissioners for hosting the gathering. The West Orange parade was announced for Sunday, March 15; Nutley’s parade had taken place on Saturday, March 7, and its committee and honorees were also recognized.

The program included musical performances and an invocation; bagpiper Joe McGonigy and vocalist Veronica Shea were introduced during the evening. Commissioners and parade chair Michael Cunningham presented certificates and called up deputy grand marshals and other honorees for photos. Officials closed with a final blessing led by Sister Jane McKenna and invited attendees to a reception and group photographs.

The ceremony served to highlight volunteer leadership, parade logistics and community heritage ahead of the county’s Saint Patrick’s Day parade schedule. No formal county actions or votes were taken during the event.