St. Patrick's Day has come and gone, but the festivities in Jersey City aren't over yet.

The annual Det. Marc A. DiNardo Jersey City St. Patrick's Day One Block Parade -- the shortest in the state -- returns Thursday at 4 p.m. in Downtown Jersey City.

The parade, which will proceed on the sidewalk and not interrupt traffic, will set out from Newport Tower, 525 Washington Blvd. and finish at Dorrian's Red Hand bar and restaurant, 555 Washington Blvd.

"It's to keep the St. Patrick's Day celebration going," said the parade's vice chair Maureen Hulings. "We say in March we celebrate the whole month, not just one day -- to honor all of the police and firefighters, but to keep Marc's memory alive."

DiNardo, 37, a Jersey City police detective, was shot in the July 16, 2009 shootout on Reed Street and died from his injuries five days later.

Freehold Township officials claim its annual St. Patrick's Day Parade, which was held Sunday and spanned 750 feet , travels the shortest distance. Unofficially, Thursday's parade in Jersey City will traverse 325 feet.

"We beat them by a lot!" Hulings joked.

At 3 p.m. Thursday, Jersey City Police Capt. Kevin O'Callahan and Sgt. Michael Hulings will place a wreath at the Jersey City Police Memorial on Montgomery Avenue and Marin Boulevard.

When the parade kicks off an hour later, the Jersey City Fire Emerald Society Pipes and Drums will provide the soundtrack.

Meanwhile, Peter O'Connor of the alcoholic beverage company, Diageo, will serve as the parade's grand marshal. Tom Killeen, chairman of this past Sunday's Jersey City St. Patrick's Day Parade, and Meghan Mullins will be honored as the Irishman and Irishwoman of the Year, respectively.

O'Callahan will be honored as the Jersey City Police Officer of the Year, while Deputy Chief Charles Donaghue is honored as the Firefighter of the Year.

Andy Lyktey will be named the parade's Honorary Irishman of the Year and Gabbie Besante will be recognized as the Honorary Irishwoman of the Year. The parade's "Little Miss Colleens" are Grace and Lily O'Callaghan, and Cassidy Anne Gormley.