Fund raiser for St. Patrick’s Day parade set for Feb. 19

GOSHEN— The fun place to be on Sunday, Feb. 19, will be Kelley Jean’s Restaurant, located on North Church Street in the heart of downtown Goshen.

“This is going to be a great fund raiser,” said Gail Edmonds, financial secretary for the Mid-Hudson St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee. “We’re urging everyone to come to support our efforts to keep the parade in Goshen where it’s centrally located.”

The fund raiser will run from 2 to 6 p.m. on Feb. 19. The $20 cost includes two drink vouchers and unlimited appetizers. A DJ will be on hand for the entire time. Traditional Irish music and lively step-dancers round out the entertainment.

The 36th annual St. Patrick’s Day parade is scheduled for Sunday, March 11. It’s the 10th year for parade participants to march proudly through the streets of Goshen.

To offset the cost of hosting the parade, the Village of Goshen is for the first time charging the committee. The fund raiser at Kelley Jean’s Restaurant is the committee’s second effort at raising funds to keep the parade in Goshen. On Dec. 16, a benefit concert starring Irish singer Andy Cooney raised $1,100. The committee still has a way to go to meet the village’s $5,400 fee.

“The date for the St. Patrick’s Day parade is approaching fast,” said Bill O’Donnell, president of the Mid Hudson St. Patrick’s Day Committee. He’s urging everyone to support the fund-raising activities to meet their goal.

Other efforts include: “Irish Day,” to be held Sunday, March 4, at the Greenwood Lake American Legion Post #1443, 40 Mountain Lakes Lane, Greenwood Lake. Highlights include food, Irish vendors, and music by the Pipes & Drums of the AOH Orange County. Admission is $8. Children under eight will be admitted free.

Souvenir Journal: Put an ad in the 36th annual Souvenir Journal. Includes business ads plus personal ads. “This is open to everyone to show support,” said Edmonds. Ads can be purchased through Edmonds (978-8483) or at Elsie’s Luncheonette, Main Street, Goshen.

50/50 raffle: Purchase a 50/50 ticket. Available at Monroe Irish Center, 8 North Main St., Monroe; Maggie’s Celtic Cottage, 14 Talmadge Court, Monroe, and Elsie’s Luncheonette, Main Street, Goshen. Last year’s winner won $1,600.

The Mid-Hudson St. Patrick’s Day committee wants to stress how important the success of these fund raisers is to keep the parade in Goshen. They’re looking for support not only from local residents, but those from neighboring towns and all of Orange County as well.

For additional information visit the committee’s Web site at www.mhspp.org or call Edmonds at 978-8483.