Worcester gets its green on

By Rachel Shuster

The St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Worcester means something different to everyone ~ a time the community comes together to: celebrate Irish heritage, participate in the parade, be a spectator on the sidelines or meet up with friends at local bars and restaurants for a drink or two. Either way, it’s a Worcester tradition that never disappoints.

The Worcester County St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee is a nonprofit organization that puts together this exciting event. The parade, as well as any events the committee sponsors, are covered by donations, fundraising and corporate sponsorship.

Steve Trainor, chairman of the committee for 16 years, oversees the overall planning of each year’s parade. The initial planning begins with meetings in August; then, over the course of the year, there’s a golf tournament, Irish breakfast, Grand Marshal Banquet and ~ the weekend of the parade ~ a breakfast and political roast. The parade lineup is finalized mid- to late February.

“Every year, it feels like a new beginning because we work so hard for the year and are running on adrenaline to get everything ready to go,” Trainor said. “It’s a big sense of accomplishment when you can stand at the end of the parade route and watch the last items pass by the viewing stand and say, ‘OK, great, it’s done.’ Then, sit back and see what worked and what didn’t.”

Director of Operations Leo Quinn has been hiring the bands, sending the invites, deciding who will return to participate next year and more for 30 years. Now in its 32^nd year, Quinn said, this year’s parade will stand out. “We have about 15 bands, 7,000 to 8,000 [people] marching and 25 floats. We have dignitaries, the Worcester Fire Department, the Worcester Police, politicians, award-winners, Girl and Boy Scouts and Worcester’s new baseball team, the Bravehearts.”

Another important aspect of planning includes selecting and announcing the parade’s grand marshal and mayor. This year is a first in that the grand marshal is actually two individuals ~ Paul and Helen Foley.

As grand marshals, Paul and Helen Foley are honored for the year and participate in the parade. “They march in the beginning of the parade, and when they get to the end of the viewing stand, they sit and watch the entire parade as it goes by. They will pick one float, and/or group out of the parade, which will receive the Grand Marshal Award, which is up to the discretion of the grand marshal,” Trainor said.

As for what they are looking for when awarding the Grand Marshal Award, Foley said, “We’re looking for something that’s colorful, well put together and very appealing. Something that stands out more than the others. Also, Helen and I have to agree.”

As grand marshal in 2008, Trainor said, “The committee nominates and votes on the grand marshal. They look for someone of Irish descent, someone who has done something of significance for the people of Worcester, in particular, the Irish people of Worcester.”

“I’ve been on the committee for 28 years. More recently, I have been acting as financial chairman for the parade. It was a big surprise when I was nominated. It was a newer member of the committee that nominated me. I was very surprised and honored,” Foley said.

As for the mayor of the parade, Trainor said that is one of the committee’s fundraisers. “Every vote is a dollar, and the person who raises the most votes becomes the mayor. Everyone who runs has a campaign manager, just like a regular election,” he said. “On the night of the Grand Marshal Banquet, we give the mayor a sash and whistle, which he brings to parade. At noon on Parade Day, the mayor blows the whistle and officially starts the parade. They then march in line with their family and friends.”

This year’s mayor, Brian Killelea, general manager of the Worcester County Memorial Park in Paxton, brings an exciting element. “He has the kind of energy we want for the parade,” Trainor said.

Ultimately, the parade is all about the community coming together. “It’s a day for the people of Worcester to come together and enjoy themselves and then walk away and say ‘What a great time that was ~ seeing everyone that spent so much time to get ready for the parade,’” Trainor said.

This year’s parade will begin at noon Sunday, March 9^, and is dedicated to Ann Quinn, Leo Quinn’s wife. The parade will march down Park Avenue, beginning at Mill Street and ending at Highland Street.

For more information, visit stpatsparade.com.

 

March Madness ~ A novice’s guide to Irish bars in Central Mass.

By Chris Reddy

Well, it’s that time of year again, and as we enter the month of March, Irish or not, the vast majority of drinkers out there have St Patrick’s Day on their minds. For folks in Worcester, that means almost two full weeks of revelry as the St Patrick’s Day parade weekend starts the holiday off Sunday, March 9, this year. St Patrick’s Day follows Monday, March 17.

Having experienced a lifetime of St Patrick’s Day celebrations, I have comprised a list of Irish bars and pubs, which in some part are a traditional Irish establishment or are close approximations, where the spirit of St Patrick’s Day also prevails.

Worcester | The city has two dozen or so traditional Irish bars, with several downright gems. O’Conner’s Pub on the West Boylston line is an institution in this area, with its incredible authentic frontage and equally beautiful bar and restaurant décor. True Irish drink and fare is always served there. Downtown, Moynagh’s Taverne and Moynihan’s offer true rooted Irish establishments and are two of the oldest in town. The Canal District is full of offerings, including The Banner Pub, a daily lunch hotspot and sports-themed pub. The Grey Hound Pub, now on Water Street, features a true Celtic feel and an excellent Irish Whiskey/Scotch selection. On Millbury Street is Patsie Dugan’s, formerly the old Emerald Isle. Round that out with several other popular bars and restaurants with Guinness and Irish fare, such as Fiddler’s Green, Blackstone Tap and Union Tavern, and you have a pub crawl in the making!

Grafton Hill boasts The Lights, The Cosmopolitan and Stakes Pub, all offering a homey Irish pub feel. On Shrewsbury Street, check out Funky Murphys for live entertainment and Irish offerings. On the Park Avenue side of town, Parade Day becomes a sea of people hitting the area’s bars and eateries, including several Irish bars: Elm Park Grille (formerly Biagio’s), Leitrims, Mahoney’s, The Blarney Stone and, further up, Galway Bay. Several other restaurants and bars are also open during the afternoon the day of the parade. Mickey O’Neil’s has also just opened on Park Avenue, taking the spot once filled by Nuff Ced. The Greendale/Lincoln Street area of Worcester features The Press Box ~ home to 10 past mayors of the parade ~ Smitty’s Tavern, with its Irish-trad décor, Greendale’s Pub for entertainment and Bennie’s Cafe for a great lunch and beer. Tweeds, Marty’s Pub and Breens round out the rest of the pack.

Boylston / West Boylston / Clinton / Sterling / Hudson | If you’re looking for Irish bars in the surrounding north suburbs of Worcester, check out The Other Place Pub in Boylston for great food, drink and a real Irish pub feel. Although they may not encompass the full Irish pub experience, The Mill, Finders/Keepers and the newly renovated Draught House on Route 12 in West Boylston all offer Irish fare and Guinness during this time of year. The Old Timer in Clinton has been providing real Irish hospitality for decades, with traditional Irish food daily and a great front bar that’s always busy around this time of year! Other stops in Clinton include Liberty Tavern, Simple Man Saloon, Breakaway Billiards, Spruce St. Tavern and Sevi’s Tavern, among others in this town known for great bars. Sterling is home to The Blacksheep Tavern, an annual St. Patrick’s Day party spot, and Barber’s Crossing, with its downstairs pub and seasonal Irish offerings. Finnegan’s Pub in Hudson also has a fantastic selection of Irish whiskeys!

Leominster / Fitchburg / Lunenburg / Ayer | Heading into North County, several Irish bars are worth noting. Sean Patrick’s and Mickey Shea’s in Lunenburg feature great Irish fare and drink. The longstanding Slattery’s, Donnelly’s Tavern and Partner’s Pub are good spots, along with American Graffiti right up the road. Leominster has its staple of downtown bars and restaurants that cater to the many partiers around St Patrick’s Day, including Christopher’s Pub, The Tankard, The Columbia Tavern and various stout offerings at Rye & Thyme.

Westminster / Gardner | Head to Westminster and check out Blueprint, where you can sample craft stouts and Irish whiskey, or keep going to its sister restaurant, McNally’s, where there is always Irish fare and fresh Guinness. If you venture into Gardner, make sure to try the Gardner Ale House, where the house-made Naked Stout is offered, along with timely seasonal Irish fare.

Shrewsbury / Northborough / Westborough / Marlborough / Framingham | Several Irish pubs can be found travelling out the Route 9 way, including Mulligan’s Taverne, Owen O’Leary’s and Molly Maguire’s.

For a list of all Irish entertainment in March, check out Pulse Club Listings and look for the entertainment in green type!

 

Maybe you’ll get lucky in the Canal District

By Jennifer Russo

If you live around town, you know that Worcester’s Canal District has taken on a life of its own in the last couple of years. What was once a barren wasteland and more of a pass-through to other parts of the city, the area has morphed into a nightlife hub and become the place to be, with plenty of dining and entertainment options to meet friends for a drink and listen to some of the area’s best live music.

In March, the Canal District gears up for Mardi Gras and St. Patrick’s Day with celebrations for every taste. Whether you like a little bit of culture or a lot of beer, the Canal District has you covered.

First things first, as in March 1^st. Join the Ancient Order of Hibernians as it hosts its 30th annual Irish Festival from noon-10 p.m. at the Spyridon Cathedral at 102 Russell St. For $5 (ages 12 and older), you can experience authentic Irish food, music by The Jolly Beggars and The Brennan Brothers, step dancing, raffles and merchandise. Learn more at aohworcester.com.

Mardi Gras (aka, Fat Tuesday) celebrations are happening in the area, too. On March 4 at 6 p.m., the third annual Carnaval de Canal takes over the Canal District with promotional giveaways, music, contests, tastings and more. Check out thecanaldistrict.com.

If a good old-fashioned pub crawl is more your thing, follow the leprechauns to the following places:

3 G’s Sports Bar & Pub (152 Millbury St.) If you have an appetite like an Irish man, this is the place to be as you enjoy an all-you-can-eat corned beef dinner at no charge and listen to live entertainment beginning at 5 p.m.

The Banner (112 Green St.) Sit at the notable horseshoe-shaped bar and play some Keno. The Banner hosts its annual party after the parade on March 9 and offers some St. Patrick’s Day fun, featuring corned beef dinners and sandwiches, the McInerney Irish Step Dancers and other live entertainment.

Blackstone Tap (81 Water St.) This lively bar is open on Parade Day. Play some pool, have a drink and watch some basketball. There is never a cover charge here.

Fiddler’s Green (19 Temple St.) It doesn’t get more authentic than this place if you want a true Irish celebration. On Parade Day, Fiddler’s will be home to DJ Bucky Sheehan, The Jolly Beggars and another act to be announced. On Sunday, March 16, there will be Irish Seisiun from 4-8 p.m. in the pub, and on St. Patrick’s Day, DJ Arnie Hamm will entertain from noon-2 p.m. and 9 p.m.-close, along with Blackstone Cuil and Cat and the Moon.

Lucky Dog (89 Green St.) Luck’s in the name! If you want a change of pace, Lucky Dog will offer its free movie marathon the night of St Patrick’s. Kick back and enjoy an Irish coffee or ask for a Green Manalishi, as three movies from the Leprechaun series are screened, beginning at 8:30 p.m.

Patsie Dugan’s (49 Millbury St.) If you haven’t had Patsie’s corned beef and swiss sandwich, you simply haven’t lived. Anyway, who wouldn’t want to go to a place called Patsie Dugan’s on St. Patrick’s Day?

Perfect Game (64 Water St.) With an impressive burger menu, great drink selection and one of the best fish and chips plates I’ve tasted, this is a great place to grab a seat. The pub will offer green beer, corned beef sandwiches for $4.99 and corned beef dinners for $7.99 from Parade Day through St. Patrick’s Day. Hope you’re hungry!

The Union Tavern (65 Green St.) Formerly Creegan’s Pub and under new ownership, The Union Tavern promises to be a hotspot for Worcester’s college scene and already has had packed houses since its grand opening. After the parade, the tavern will be bringing the party down to the Canal District with a DJ, drink and shot specials, green beer, live bagpipes and lots of giveaways.