(Mineola, NY)  This past Sunday, the Irish American Society of Nassau, Suffolk, and Queens named Donny Golden, acclaimed Irish step dancer, choreographer and master teacher, Grand Marshall of this year’s Garden City/Mineola St. Patrick’s Day Parade.  The parade will take place on Sunday, March 6, commencing at 1:00 pm, and marching up Franklin Avenue in Garden City. 

Donny Golden, born of Irish parents, grew up in Brooklyn with a strong Irish cultural background.  Beginning step dance lessons at the age of seven, he became a North American Irish Dance Champion as a child.  Mr. Golden started teaching at 19, eventually establishing the Donny Golden School of Irish Dance in Mineola and Brooklyn.  He instills a love of Irish dance in his students, many of whom have become national and world champions.   A  National Endowment for the Arts National Heritage Fellow, Donny regularly performs with the ensembles Cherish the Ladies and The Chieftains. 

Mr. Golden was joined by family, friends, and students, as well as area officials and community members to celebrate his being named Grand Marshall.  Nassau County Clerk Maureen O’Connell took part in the celebration and expressed her congratulations, presenting him with a Citation in recognition of this honor and of his great commitment to the Irish American culture and community.

Pictured from left to right are President of the Irish American Society Betty McLoughlin, Nassau County Clerk Maureen O’Connell, Grand Marshall Donny Golden with citation, and Nassau County Legislator Rose Marie Walker.  

Pictured from left to right are Nassau County Clerk Maureen O’Connell, Aide Mary Mikowski, Aide Tony Freeman, Grand Marshall Donny Golden, President Betty McLoughlin, Parade Chair Pat Kerins, Aide Chris Kerins, Aide Jackie Callaghan, and Nassau County Legislator Rose Marie Walker.