Hackettstown BID to honor 2026 St. Patrick’s Parade Grand Marshal Shawn Burke at March 5 reception
HACKETTSTOWN, N.J. (Warren County) — The Hackettstown Business Improvement District will host a Grand Marshal Reception on Thursday, March 5, to honor 2026 St. Patrick’s Parade Grand Marshal Shawn Burke at David’s Country Inn, 314 Main St.
The event kicks off parade weekend with a buffet dinner and live entertainment, including a performance by the Rory O’Moore School of Pipes and Drums and a dance performance by the Slattery School of Irish Dance. Tickets are $70 each or $650 for a table of 10, plus a $2 convenience fee per ticket. The price includes dinner and entertainment; a cash bar will be available. Reservations are due by Monday, Feb. 23.
For more information or to purchase tickets online, visit hackettstownbid.com, email socialmedia@hackettstownbid.com or call 908-850-5004.
Burke, a longtime Hackettstown resident, traces his Irish lineage in America to 1848, when Bernard “Barney” Burke emigrated to the United States and later served in the Union Army during the Civil War. The family eventually settled in Warren County, with subsequent generations living on Liberty Street in Hackettstown, once known as “Little Dublin.” Burke’s father, William Jr., served as Grand Marshal of the 2016 parade.
Born in Denville and raised in Hackettstown after his family returned to his father’s hometown in 1965, Burke attended St. Mary’s Parochial School and graduated from Hackettstown High School. He was a member of the National Honor Society and earned eight varsity letters in football, wrestling and track. He also served as co-captain of the 1981 state championship football team.
In 1982, Burke was appointed to the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy at King’s Point, New York. He graduated in 1986 with a degree in marine transportation and a commission as an officer in the U.S. Naval Reserves. He has worked in the maritime industry for 40 years and currently serves as North Atlantic operations manager for NYK Line in Secaucus.
Burke has remained active in the community, volunteering as a Little League umpire and coach for the Hackettstown Wrestling Club and Hackettstown Recreation Baseball. He served 15 years on the Hackettstown Planning/Land Use Board and is in his 15th year as a member of the Hackettstown Board of Education. He is also in his 16th year as color commentator for Hackettstown Tigers football on WRNJ radio.
Burke and his wife, Alice, have been married 29 years and have five children: Emily, Shawn Jr., Zebulon, Liam and Samson.
He said he is honored to be selected as Grand Marshal for Hackettstown’s 2026 St. Patrick’s Day Parade and grateful for the community’s support.
The 17th annual St. Patrick’s Parade is scheduled for Sunday, March 8, 2026. The parade steps off at 3:30 p.m. at Washington Street and Grand Avenue.
