Assemblywoman Stacey Pheffer Amato was installed this past Saturday, February 18th, as a Deputy Grand Marshalls for the 42nd Annual Queens County St. Patrick’s Day Parade, the second-largest St. Patrick’s Day parade in New York City. Pheffer Amato was recently sworn in as Assemblywoman for the 23rd Legislative District, which includes areas on the Rockaway Peninsula long called “The Irish Riviera.” A very large percentage of residents trace their ancestry to Ireland, and Irish pride is deeply embedded in the community.

The installation took place at Antun’s Banquet Hall in Queens Village, at the 2017 Parade Dance. A Grand Marshall, a Gael of the Year, two Honorary Grand Marshalls and fifteen Deputy Grand Marshalls, recruited from local, regional and state leadership and from the Hibernian community, were installed as officers.

“I’ve been coming to the Queens County Parade since I was a kid, and my kids grew up coming. The parade is fun, it’s historic, and it’s one of the wonderful, festive occasions that make living in this diverse community such a delight year-round. To all of the Irish residents of the 23rd district, and to the Irish at heart, like myself: I am so proud and honored to join your Parade this year as a Deputy Grand Marshall. Erin go bragh, slainte, and a joyous holiday to you and yours.”

The Parade will kick off this year on Saturday, March 4th with a Mass for Peace and Justice in Ireland at St. Francis de Sales Church, Beach 129th Street and Rockaway Boulevard. The parade itself will begin at 1:00 PM at Beach 130th Street and Newport Ave.