Q&A with Sean Walter, the Jamesport St. Patrick’s parade grand marshal
The fifth annual Jamesport St. Patrick’s Day Parade is set for Saturday, March 24, at 1 p.m. It will start at the intersection of Washington and North Railroad avenues and travel north to Jamesport Fire Department headquarters on Manor Road.
Sean Walter, Riverhead Town’s supervisor from 2010 to 2017, will lead the parade, which is hosted by the East End Emerald Society. The parade is set to go on rain or shine. This Saturday, Mr. Walter was ceremonially inducted as the parade’s grand marshal at The Vineyards at Aquebogue.
Mr. Walter served as environmental manager for the 106th Rescue Wing of the New York Air National Guard in 1992, and took a leave of absence in 1996 to pursue a law degree. In 2000, he was named deputy town attorney for Riverhead Town. He now has a law practice in Wading River, where he lives with his wife and three sons.
Here’s what Mr. Walter has to say about this year’s parade.
Q: What does being named grand marshal mean to you?
A: It’s pretty cool. They asked me to do this before the election and I was so honored. It’s humbling for people to think of you in that way, that they would want to honor me with leading the parade. So it’s very humbling. When I lost the election, I did reach out to them and said, “Do you still want me?” And they said, yes of course. So I think probably among the previous eight years of being supervisor, it’s really an honor for me to be able to do and give back to the community.
Q: What are you looking forward to most at the parade this year?
A: I can’t wait to wear my green jacket. I’m looking forward to leading the parade and hopefully it’ll be a bright, sunny day. I’ve walked in that parade many times in the rain and snow.
Q: What are you looking forward to for the party this weekend?
A: I just hope it’s a good time and everyone comes out for the event. I think it’s going to be a fun time Saturday night. It’s $45 at the door; come on out and celebrate a good cause. I hope the residents enjoy themselves. It’s always fun when the community comes together to do something like this.
Q: Are you Irish?
A: I am a little bit Irish. I’m Irish, Scottish and German. I have an Irish name though!
Q: Growing up, did you observe any St. Patrick’s Day traditions?
A: We always ate corned beef and cabbage. My mother made it every St. Patrick’s Day. She was the Irish side of the family. I love it. It shouldn’t just be served around St. Patrick’s Day, although I don’t think Irish people actually eat that on St. Patrick’s Day. It’s more of an American tradition.
Photo caption: Sean Walter has been chosen the grand marshal for the Jamesport St. Patrick’s Day parade, set for Saturday, March 24, rain or shine. (Credit: Rachel Siford)
