The sounds of the bagpipes keep everyone feeling Irish.
By Maddy Vitale
When Sea Isle City Mayor Lenny Desiderio decides to do something fun, he goes all out and he does it for the long haul.
That has been the case for his family-sponsored St. Patrick’s Day Parade in its 28th year and on Saturday, like all of the years before, the participants and spectators had a great time.
“Everyone is Irish on St. Patty’s Day,” Desiderio quipped, as he and the other parade participants, lined up around 3:30 p.m. ready to entertain the onlookers with music, festive attire, fire engineers and even a horse.
He and his wife Carmela pay for all the festivities year after year. And they do it for one reason:
“We do a community service. We like giving back,” the mayor remarked. “Community service is our best asset. We have a lot of fun.”
The parade route went along Landis Avenue beginning at 83rd Street and worked its way down to the mayor’s establishment, Kix-McNutley’s, on 63rd Street for an after-parade party.
WWII Army veteran Bill Johnson, 97, waves to the crowd as Grand Marshal of the parade.
WWII Army veteran Bill Johnson, of Sea Isle, was the Grand Marshal and took the title very seriously. The 97-year-old spry gentleman who still goes out every day to do his own shopping, said he was very honored to be chosen to lead the parade.
Boy Scouts from Sea Isle’s Troop 76 marched with someone they called their “mascot for the day,” a black dog named Camo, who was dressed in his Irish best wearing a green bandana.
The troop members tossed candy into the streets for children to scoop up.
Holly and Tim Doyle don’t live anywhere near Sea Isle. They lived in Atlantic County but have since moved up north, hours from Sea Isle.
But they never miss the opportunity to come down to their favorite summer town with their girls Lilly, 5, and Willow, 3, for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
“We love it,” Holly said of Sea Isle.
Then she and her husband looked at Willow and started laughing.
“I didn’t know there would be this much candy here today,” Holly said, as Willow filled her pockets with the sweets.
Holly Doyle and her children Willow, 3, and Lilly, 5, watch the parade.
Parade revelers donned green hats, shamrock sunglasses, green beaded necklaces, and some even wore wigs. One person opted for a green mohawk, while another spectator decided to go with orange hair and an orange beard. 
Carol Price and daughter Crystal Price and her baby Aubrey love the parade.
The Polar Bear King and Queen Mike Johnson and Kate O'Brien, brought a bit of royalty to the occasion and McGruff the Crime Dog and Eddie Eagle were all business as they strolled along with police officers.
Joe Beisel of the Cape May County Sheriff's Office and his horse Dodge, entertained the kids as they followed along the parade route. After the parade, children got to give the friendly steed a few pats.
Nothing fazes Dodge when he's on the job for the Cape May County Sheriff's Office with Chief Warrant Officer Joseph Beisel.
Some dignitaries in the parade included, Sea Isle City Council President Mary Tighe and Councilman Bill Kehner, Cape May County Sheriff Robert Nolan and former Cape May County Sheriff Gary Schaffer.
Nearing the end of the parade route, Desiderio led the crowd in an Eagles chant that warmed anyone who was feeling a bit of a chill from the cool temperatures.
After the parade participants and spectators streamed into Kix McNutley’s to continue the St. Patrick’s Day fun with Irish music, dancing and refreshments.
Sea Isle Councilman Bill Kehner, Cape May County Sheriff Robert Nolan, Mayor Lenny Desiderio and Council President Mary Tighe have fun before the parade gets started.
Parade revelers get into the festive mood.
Mayor Lenny Desiderio jokes that these leprechauns are his body guards.
Sea Isle's Troop 76 tosses some candies to kids along the parade route.
Eddie the Eagle gives a wave.
Emergency responders sound their sirens.
The sounds of the bagpipes keep everyone feeling Irish.
Crowds line the street at the end of the parade route near Kix McNutley's to continue the festivities.
