We take our next step in keeping the globe in Global City Norwich appropriately enough (I think) with a march step this Sunday, 1 March, and the seventh annual Norwich Saint Patrick's Day Parade and Festival.
Each year the parade gets a little bigger and better, thanks to all of those who help out at Norwich Events Organization as well as all of those who turn up to cheer the marchers, or march themselves, or enjoy the continuing comeback of a little more of our downtown that gets a bit more attractive with each event.
Weather permitting (a phrase admittedly you can use in New England almost all year round), the Norwich Saint Patrick's Day Parade will step off at one Sunday afternoon from Ferry Street, wend its way around Franklin Square, up Franklin Street and then use Willow Street to march to Chestnut and then, in turn, Broadway before making a left at the Wauregan onto Main Street to finish up at City Landing. The best thing about a compact march route like that means as a spectator you can enjoy almost everything from just about anywhere along the route.
Here’s the Facebook page, with a map of the route and a list of theshenanigans activities going on around the parade itself, including the locations with sparkling adult beverages and food trucks because marching (and just watching it) can make you thirsty and hungry. Turnout across downtown from both participants as well as spectators grows every year and since troighean air an t-sràid, feet on the street, is the goal, the more the merrier.
It's another reason to stop and visit someplace too many of us still too often drive through on our way to someplace else complaining ‘there’s never anything to do in Norwich.’ Which could be, I concede, except when it’s not such as this Sunday and on the other six days of the week as well. And while you are downtown, take a couple of minutes to check out what's new (or new to you) since your last visit and see for yourself how the heart of Norwich is beating stronger than ever.
I've yet to miss a parade (and with my last name where else do you think I would be) and every year I meet people who do not live in Norwich but have heard about the parade and the family-oriented crafts festival afterward with authentic food and beverages (for all and sundry) and decided to try it on for size and were very pleased they had come.
Everyone is welcome to march though it's really more of a brisk walk than a march in terms of distance, so you can smile and wave without breaking a sweat. And you won’t be alone.
Sunday's parade will be led by Lisa Griffin, this year's Grand Marshall, who'll be joined by a variety of local and regional agencies and organizations to help celebrate the day. Quite frankly, it just won't be a party without you, so plan on putting your best foot forward and being there. And Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!
Each year the parade gets a little bigger and better, thanks to all of those who help out at Norwich Events Organization as well as all of those who turn up to cheer the marchers, or march themselves, or enjoy the continuing comeback of a little more of our downtown that gets a bit more attractive with each event.
Weather permitting (a phrase admittedly you can use in New England almost all year round), the Norwich Saint Patrick's Day Parade will step off at one Sunday afternoon from Ferry Street, wend its way around Franklin Square, up Franklin Street and then use Willow Street to march to Chestnut and then, in turn, Broadway before making a left at the Wauregan onto Main Street to finish up at City Landing. The best thing about a compact march route like that means as a spectator you can enjoy almost everything from just about anywhere along the route.
Here’s the Facebook page, with a map of the route and a list of the
It's another reason to stop and visit someplace too many of us still too often drive through on our way to someplace else complaining ‘there’s never anything to do in Norwich.’ Which could be, I concede, except when it’s not such as this Sunday and on the other six days of the week as well. And while you are downtown, take a couple of minutes to check out what's new (or new to you) since your last visit and see for yourself how the heart of Norwich is beating stronger than ever.
I've yet to miss a parade (and with my last name where else do you think I would be) and every year I meet people who do not live in Norwich but have heard about the parade and the family-oriented crafts festival afterward with authentic food and beverages (for all and sundry) and decided to try it on for size and were very pleased they had come.
Everyone is welcome to march though it's really more of a brisk walk than a march in terms of distance, so you can smile and wave without breaking a sweat. And you won’t be alone.
Sunday's parade will be led by Lisa Griffin, this year's Grand Marshall, who'll be joined by a variety of local and regional agencies and organizations to help celebrate the day. Quite frankly, it just won't be a party without you, so plan on putting your best foot forward and being there. And Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!
-bill kenny
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