The Warren County Commissioners celebrated St. Patrick’s Day in Hackettstown this past weekend as they marched in the town’s 16th Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

Leading the parade was this year’s Grand Marshal, Mary Litwhiler, who the Commissioners honored with a proclamation at last week’s grand marshal reception. A Hackettstown resident for 47 years, Litwhiler spent 20 years with the Hackettstown Recreation Commission; served on the Board of Education; was instrumental in starting the Hackettstown Business Improvement District (BID); and has served on the St. Patrick’s Day Parade committee since its inception.

The parade included bands, fire department and first aid squads, community groups, area sports teams, historic re-enactors, local businesses, and much more. As always, the Hackettstown BID and Hackettstown Police Department did a great job putting on a fun and safe event and Explore Warren County Tourism Partnership was an event sponsor.

The Warren County Board of County Commissioners thanks those who attended the parade and wishes everyone a safe and joyful St. Patrick’s Day.

 The Warren County Commissioners prepare to march in the 2025 Hackettstown St. Patrick's Day Parade, joined by Assemblyman John Dimaio.

 Commissioner James R. Kern III, Deputy Director Lori Ciesla, and Commissioner Director Jason J. Sarnoski march in the 2025 Hackettstown St. Patrick's Day Parade.

 The Rory O'Moore School of Pipes and Drums march in the 2025 Hackettstown St. Patrick's Day Parade.

 Residents fill Hackettstown Main Street to watch the 2025 St. Patrick's Day Parade.

 Commissioner Director Jason J. Sarnoski reads a proclamation from the Warren County Board of County Commissioners for the 2025 Hackettstown St. Patrick's Day Parade Grand Marshal Mary Litwhiler.

HONORING MARY LITWHILER

HACKETTSTOWN ST. PATRICK’S DAY PARADE  GRAND MARSHAL 2025

WHEREAS, the Town of Hackettstown annually celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with a parade and festivities that include a Grand Marshal Reception; and

WHEREAS, Mary Litwhiler has been chosen for the high honor and privilege of serving as the Grand Marshal of the 2025 Parade; and

WHEREAS, Mary, who has lived in Hackettstown for 47 years, is a worthy choice for this position; and

WHEREAS, Mary spent 20 years with the Recreation Commission and started the first “Decorate the House Contest”; and

WHEREAS, Mary also served on the Board of Education where she fought for smaller class sizes and helped write curriculum; and

WHEREAS, Mary was part of the committee for the very first Hackettstown St. Patrick’s Day parade and has been volunteering on the committee ever since; and

WHEREAS, Mary’s commitment to moving Hackettstown forward can best be seen in the work she did in starting the Maintenance Street Committee, the instrumental role she played in declaring the historic Hackettstown area as a “Historic District”, and her involvement with starting the first Hackettstown BID; and

NOW, THEREFORE, BE IT RESOLVED that the Warren County Board of County Commissioners congratulates Mary Litwhiler on her selection as the 2025 Grand Marshal of the Hackettstown St. Patrick’s Day Parade, and wishes her the luck of the Irish as she fulfils those duties.

Jason J. Sarnoski, Director
Lori Ciesla, Deputy Director
James R. Kern III, Commissioner 
Board of County Commissioners