Going Green Really Suits You

With apologies to Kermit the Frog who once lamented "It's Not Easy Being Green," it actually is kind of easy this time of year most especially here in Norwich where the Annual Saint Patrick's Day Parade and Festival is very nearly upon us.

Each year it gets a little bigger and better, thanks to the helping hands of the volunteers of Norwich Events Organization and all those who turn up to cheer the marchers, or march themselves, or enjoy the continuing comeback of a little more of our downtown that grows more attractive with each event. 

Rain or Shine, the Norwich Saint Patrick's Day Parade will step off at one Sunday afternoon from Ferry Street, wending its way around Franklin Square putting that Rotary through its paces, up Franklin Street, and then use Willow Street to march to Chestnut and then, in turn, Broadway before making a left at the Wauregan Hotel onto Main Street to finish up at City Landing.

Pro tip: I bring a compass even though I never get lost because everyone tells me where to go but I mention the march route to underscore what will be readily apparent: no matter where you choose to enjoy the parade from, you're guaranteed an eyeful of marchers and an earful of music.

And if you need it, here’s the official website, with a map of the route and a list of the activities going on around the parade itself, including the locations with sparkling adult beverages and food trucks because as well know marching (and just watching it) can make you thirsty and hungry.

Turnout across downtown from participants and spectators grows every year and since one of the important points of events like this is feet on the street, or troighean air an t-sràid, the more the merrier.

The day’s events are a great reason to stop and visit someplace too many of us still drive through on our way to someplace else while complaining ‘there’s never anything to do in Norwich.’ Except not this Sunday, or quite finally any other day of the week if you’ll take the trouble to look.

And while you’re downtown enjoying the goings-on check out what's new (or new to you) since your last visit and you’ll 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-fun-filled festival that follows (say that three times fast) with authentic food and beverages (for one and all) 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 is led by this year’s Grand Marshall, Deanna Rhodes, City of Norwich Director of Planning and Neighborhood Services, who'll be joined by a variety of local and regional agencies and organizations to help celebrate the day.

Quite frankly, it really won't be a party without you, so grab something green and plan on being there. And Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!
-bill kenny