2017 Belmar St. Patrick’s Day Parade Guide

The Belmar St. Patrick's Day Parade is one of my favorite Jersey Shore traditions, and it's back this weekend!

Here's what you need to know!

The 2017 parade steps off Sunday, March 5th at 12:30 p.m., rain or shine.

It starts at 22nd Ave. in Lake Como, and runs north along the length of Main St., winding down around 6th Ave. in Belmar.

Anyone marching in the parade should be dropped off at North Blvd. at Surf Ave. on the east end of Lake Como.

Weather-wise, it looks like a good news, bad news situation. The good news is, it's expected to be mostly sunny. The bad news is, it's going to be pretty cold, with a high of 39. (So much for the recent wave of ridiculously warm temps!)

While the parade doesn't kick off until 12:30 p.m., the preparation starts well before then, and Main St. and surrounding roads will be closed any time between 10 and 11 a.m. For travel and parking purposes, you should plan to arrive early to find a good parking spot, especially if you want to park east of Main St.

Your best bet is to take the train. The Belmar NJ Transit station is behind Belmar Plaza between 8th and 10th Ave., and is easily walkable to the parade route. NJ Transit will also be providing extra trains between Bay Head and Long Branch on parade day! Keep in mind if you are coming from north of Long Branch, will have to switch trains there.

The most family-friendly areas tend to be south of 19th Ave., and north of 14th Ave. The busiest areas are around 16th Ave. and the stands near 8th Ave.

Definitely bundle up, bring your beach chairs and blankets, and join the fun!

If you can't make it there in person, this year's parade will be live-streamed via YouTube. You can watch it HERE!