UNION COUNTY, NJ — The Union County St. Patrick’s Day Committee and 2026 Parade Grand Marshal Kerry Schardien-Ricci have announced the dedication of this year’s parade to people with disabilities.
Schardien-Ricci, of Scotch Plains, an oncology social worker and long-time volunteer and summer director of Camp Fatima of New Jersey, said, “This dedication will shine new light on the important work performed by Union County groups and other New Jersey organizations in our communities to provide opportunities and services for inclusion and accessibility.”
“This year’s parade will celebrate people of all abilities, including highlighting their unique gifts and talents, and we encourage all organizations that provide support and service to this community to join us to march in this year’s parade,” said Committee Chairperson Gabby Sully.
Camp Fatima is an all-volunteer, non-sectarian and not-for-profit organization dedicated to providing free recreational programming to individuals with developmental disabilities. Schardien-Ricci, the parade’s general chairperson in 2016, has served as a parade trustee since 2019 and has volunteered with Camp Fatima since 1994.
Organizations seeking to register their group, organization or band to march in the 2026 Union County Saint Patrick’s Day Parade should contact Gabby Sully at 908-265-1478 or parade Adjutant Jimmy Holmes at the parade’s email address at ucsaintpatricksdayparade@gmail.com.
Photos Courtesy of Gabby Sully
