Happy St. Patrick’s Day! (Graphic created by Jessica Lynch using images from Canva)
By Jessica Lynch
It’s time to get your green on, 4Cs. The annual Cape Cod St. Patrick’s Day Parade is returning to the Cape on March 7, and you can walk in it alongside fellow 4Cs students and faculty.
There are six major St. Patrick’s Day parades throughout Massachusetts, and the Cape’s parade is on the list. According to The Cape Cod Times, the parade was founded in 2005. It started with one man’s dream to bring a St. Patrick’s Day parade to The Cape.
Thomas McCann founded the Barnstable’s chapter of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, an Irish Catholic organization that, in addition to many other goals, promotes Irish heritage in their communities. In line with this goal, McCann saw the need for a St. Patrick’s Day parade in the area. Although he never got to see the parade he dreamed of, a parade committee was formed to make his dream a reality. Ever since, the parade has been marching strong, this year marking the 21st year of its founding.
Each year the parade has a theme. According to the official website for the parade, this year’s theme is “Heart of a Champion: Dream. Work. Believe.” However, the website reports that it’s not just a theme, it is also a hint for who will be this year’s grand marshal.
Last year, the parade’s grand marshal was the Rev. Ray Kelly. Kelly is a priest who hails from County Westmeath, Ireland, and who has a talent for singing. He appeared on “Britain’s Got Talent” and achieved internet virality for his rendition of “Hallelujah.” Last year’s theme? “The Heart of Ireland: 20 Years of Music and Tradition.”
This year’s parade steps off at 11 a.m. at the intersection of Route 28 and Long Pond Road and follows a 2-mile route through Yarmouth, ending at Higgins Crowell Road. The parade is visible for spectators anywhere along the route.
This year, 4Cs will march in the parade. Those who wish to participate are encouraged to wear green or show their school spirt with college colors (blue, of course!) or 4Cs merch. Silly Irish garb or accessories are also welcomed. Walkers should arrive between 8:30 and 10 a.m. at the Town and Country parking lot (with Holly Tree Hotel as an overflow) where buses will transport them to the parade staging area.
To register to walk in the parade, fill out the form here.
For questions pertaining to walking in the parade, reach out to Gail Dunford at [email protected].
For more information on the parade visit their website.
