Meet Jay Liebell...Grand Marshall 2008
By Evelyn J. Mocbeichel

It was not an easy task tracking down this very busy man, Mr. Jay Liebell, especially since the Montauk St. Patrick’s Day parade was only weeks away. The amount of time, effort and expense that goes into putting on this fabulous event cannot be imagined if you are not part of the process. As member of the Friends of Erin, the parade organizers since 1980, Jay has also been the club’s President for about 18 years, on and off. Therefore, he well knows the energy that is needed for any member of the Club to execute this highly anticipated event.

This year’s parade is Montauk’s 46th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Always held the Sunday after St. Patrick’s Day, this year it will be held later, on March 30, 2008. This is because the Easter holiday falls on March 23 this year, so the parade is the following Sunday.

St. Patrick's Day 2008

Being elected for the 2008 Grand Marshall came as a surprise to Jay and is an honor that truly recognizes his contributions to the Friends of Erin and the community over the years. Originally from Nassau County, Jay moved to Montauk in 1973 right after college. He had accepted a job at the Ocean Science Lab, which used to be located where the Rough Rider Complex now stands. He remained there as a Research Assistant working in the Aqua-Cultural division. Years later, when the lab was no longer a reliable employment source, Jay took on jobs fishing, doing carpentry work, which included building homes in the now booming village of Montauk. At this point, he and his wife, Jane, decided that Montauk would always be their home and a wonderful place to bring up their two daughters, Jessica and Jennine. Therefore, they decided to start their own business here. And so J+J Building and General Contracting was born.

The Montauk Sun asked Jay what was involved in putting together a parade of this magnitude and learned some fascinating facts about it. The annual cost to host what is said to be “the second largest St. Patrick’s Day parade after New York City” runs about $30,000 dollars. The fee paid to all the invited bands to join the parade runs about $18,000 when the Friends of Erin reimburses the bands for their travel and expenses to come out to Montauk. Adding the other incidentals and you come up with the cost attached to the event. Money is raised to cover these costs by donations, A Pot of Gold Raffle, selling tickets to the St. Patrick’s Day luncheon held every year at Gurney’s Inn and Spa Resort and a dinner dance, both held on the weekend of the parade. Besides raising money for the parade, the amount of time and energy used to coordinate the Parade and surrounding events takes every effort of the Friends of Erin, volunteers and participants. However, when you see the turnout for the Parade, which in 2007 was estimated by law enforcement officials to be about 40,000 people, it is plain to see this effort is well appreciated.

During our conversation, Jay Liebell asked the Montauk Sun to include a well-deserved mention to praise the dozen members of the Friends of Erin Ladies’ Auxiliary. The President is Maureen Keller. One of the Auxiliary’s main fund raising activities over the year is a fun event called “The Pub Quiz”. Held at two of Montauk’s popular pubs, there is an admission charge and guests can enter or simply watch the popular trivia contest being held. Teams of four compete to win cash prizes given away during the Quiz. Jay also mentioned that Friends of Erin members march in the New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade each year. They also, unofficially, attend other St. Patrick’s Day parades, if they do not fall on the same day as Montauk’s, to get ideas and suggestions to improve or enhance their parade.

When you attend this popular Montauk event, you can see the work the Friends of Erin puts into it and the joy it brings to this beautiful seaside community. Electing a Grand Marshall is an honor and a tradition the Friends of Erin hold dear to their hearts. Their pick this year of Jay Liebell is their way of honoring a man that has given so much of his time, energy and love to the organization. Along with the members of the club and parade watchers everywhere, the Montauk Sun also congratulates and salutes Jay Liebell! Happy St. Patrick’s Day everyone!

St. Patrick’s Day Celebration Events: Everyone is invited!

Saturday – March 15, 2008 Montauk Friends of Erin Corn Beef & Cabbage Dinner

Montauket Restaurant on Firestone Road 6:00 PM

Dinner $15.00 for adults and $10.00 children 12 and under

Grand Marshall’s Luncheon: Friday, March 28, 2008 – Gurney’s Inn

Grand Marshall’s Dinner and Dance: Saturday March 29, 2008 – Gurney’s Inn