Holyoke prepares for parade

By Lori O'Brien

Correspondent

HOLYOKE Regardless of sun, wind, rain or snow there is one event that hundreds of thousands of viewers can always count on the Holyoke St. Patrick's Parade.

This spring's annual event now celebrating its 55th year in commemorating the patron saint of Ireland takes place March 19. The parade is the second largest St. Patrick's Parade in the country and attracts a street and television viewing audience that exceeds 1 million people. Viewers can expect to see 30,000 to 40,000 marchers, 25 to 30 floats, and 35 to 40 bands.

"No matter what the year, if you haven't attended a parade, you should start this year," said Parade President David "DJ" O'Connor, during an interview with Reminder Publications.

O'Connor explained that his role as president encompasses presiding over the many meetings and committees of the annual parade, appointing chairs to all committees, and congratulating chairs when they do a good job.

"The most challenging part of this role is to oversee all committees, to help guide them in doing a good job without micromanaging them," he said.

The massive parade is a culmination of months of activities throughout Western Massachusetts that brings together all people, not just those who are Irish, for a grand celebration in Holyoke, according to O'Connor.

The three-hour, 2.9-mile parade will be broadcast live on PBS WGBY Channel 57 and will be simultaneously broadcast throughout the New England PBS Network. In addition, the parade will be rebroadcast at 9 p.m. on WGBY and will be carried on Comcast's On Demand system for a few weeks after the broadcast.

Upcoming activities in the city leading up to the big event are varied and include the 31st St. Patrick's Road Race, the Bishop's Mass, the JFK National Award Presentation, and the Bishop's Reception.

Festivities kick off with the Greater Holyoke Chamber of Commerce St. Patrick's salute breakfast on March 15 at 7:30 a.m. at the Log Cabin Banquet and Meeting House. Holyoke Mayor Michael J. Sullivan will serve as master of ceremonies. Chamber members will salute the St. Patrick's Committee of Holyoke Inc., its 2006 award winners, and Grand Colleen Katy Beth Brunelle and her Court. Tickets are $15 and may be purchased by calling the Chamber office at (413) 534-3376. The deadline to reserve tickets is March 13.

Following the breakfast, a flag ceremony and painting of the shamrocks gets underway at City Hall Plaza, corner of High and Dwight streets, at 9:30 a.m. In addition, Brunelle and her Court, Grand Marshall attorney Fred Sullivan, and Parade President David "DJ" O'Connor will be recognized.

On March 17, the Parade Committee has planned a Past Presidents Luncheon at the Yankee Pedlar Inn on Northampton Street, as well as a Pre-Road Race Irish Party at the Wherehouse on Lyman Street.

Events on March 18 include a Kids Fun Run at the corner of Hampden and Walnut streets, beginning at 11 a.m., followed by a Mummer's Parade and Concert at noon at the corner of Maple and Lyman streets. The 31st annual 10K Road Race steps off at 1 p.m. There are several divisions for men and women runners, including: open, masters, seniors, veterans, Holyoke resident, high school and Irish American. Runners must pick up their number, computer chip and T-shirt between 9 a.m. and noon at the Wherehouse on that day. The Laying of the Wreath at the JFK Memorial, at the corner of Appleton and Sycamore streets, takes place at 4:30 p.m.

Bishop Timothy A. McDonnell will celebrate the annual Bishop's Mass on March 18 at 5:30 p.m. at St. Jerome's Church on Hampden Street. A live telecast of the Mass can be seen on WGBY Channel 57. The Mass is open to the public and members of the community are welcome to participate.

The Bishop's Reception honoring former Homeland Security Secretary Tom Ridge as its 50th John F. Kennedy National Award recipient takes place at the Log Cabin immediately following the Mass. The JFK Award is presented annually to an American of Irish descent who has distinguished themselves in their chosen field of profession. Tickets are $42 per person and may be obtained by calling chairperson Susan Poulin at (413) 534-5208. Due to a scheduling conflict, Ridge will be unable to march in the March 19 parade.

Festivities begin early on March 19 with the Ambassador's Award presentation at 8:30 a.m. in the Opera House at the Yankee Pedlar Inn. At the same time, parade participants will begin assembling at the Kmart Plaza on Northampton Street to ensure a smooth transition when the first contingent steps off at 11:30 a.m. Among the other honorees in conjunction with this year's parade is Hank Porten, CEO of Holyoke Medical Center, who has received the 2006 Citizenship Award.

For more information on the parade, visit www.holyokestpatricksparade.com. Runners interested in participating in the 10K road race must complete an application prior to the race day. Runners are asked to call (413) 562-7007 or e-mail organizers at roadrace@holyokestpatricksparade.com.