LuAnn Thibodeau 

With many events happening in March, including the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, Worcester is turning green. In addition to the parade, on tap are an Irish Breakfast, and an Irish Festival. And if the past is any indication, you won’t want to miss any of it. 

In a recent conversation with Steve Belton, President of The Worcester Hibernian Cultural Foundation, I have to say that I learned something new. Although I had heard the word before, I never looked up what Hibernian meant. Steve was gracious enough to explain to me that Hibernia is what the Romans called the island of Ireland. Well, with my newfound knowledge, it was on to the events. 

The Worcester Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH), and the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians (LOAH) Division 36 will be having an Irish Breakfast on March 2 , from 9 to 11 am, at Fiddlers’ Green Pub,  Worcester Hibernian Cultural Centre, 19 Temple Street, Worcester. Featured on the menu are Irish favorites such as bangers, rashers, black and white pudding, and more.

The AOH and LAOH Division 36 also present the 41st Worcester Irish Festival on March 8, from 11 am to 8 pm., at St. Spyridon Greek Orthodox Church Hall, 102 Russell Street, Worcester. There will be live music featuring Belfast Cowboys and The Brennan Brothers, as well as Irish Step Dancing, Pipe and Drums Brigades, and Irish food and drink. It looks to be a day of merriment and joy for all. 

And the celebrating continues and culminates with the Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade, now in its 43rd year  it began in 1981, but missed a couple of years due to COVID. Erin Zammarro, Chairperson of the parade committee, heads a group of about fifty volunteers who plan, fundraise, and organize the parade. According to the bylaws of the committee, the parade is always held the Sunday before St. Patrick’s Day; this year it will be on March 16th. 

About 2,000 people participate in the parade, including this year’s Grand Marshall, Kate McEvoy. There will be several marching bands, among them the WPI Marching and Pep Band, the Worcester Police Pipes and Drums, and the South High Community School Band. 

Joining the bands will be about forty floats, sponsored by organizations such as the Shriners, the Worcester Bravehearts, the Worcester Railers, and many businesses and organizations. The parade kicks off at noon, from the corner of Park Ave. and Mill Street, and runs about an hour and a half to two hours long. There will be a shuttle service from Doherty High School parking lot, running about every 20 minutes, between 10 am and 3 pm, dropping off at Our Lady of Mercy on June Street and Mill Swan School on Mill Street. There will also be novelty and food vendors, as well as portable public restrooms along the parade route. 

So, come one and come all. Wear your green, because everyone is Irish at all of the events happening in Worcester to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day. Erin Go Bragh.