NEWTOWN, CT—After two years of cancellations due to the global pandemic, Danbury's Irish-Americans are glad to celebrate their Silver Anniversary at the 25th Annual Danbury St. Patrick's Day Parade.
Newtown's own Ashurst Academy of Irish Dance will participate in the parade as well as dance at local festivities.
The month-long celebrations kicked off on Sunday, Feb. 20th with their St. Patrick's Day Parade fundraiser at Molly Darcy's, followed by the St. Patrick's Day Ball on Saturday, March 5th. Not even a "bomb cyclone" could stop Danbury and New Fairfield area Irish-Americans from celebrating St. Patrick's Day at the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade in New Fairfield (Danbury's parade will be held on 3/20/22).
New Fairfield resident Peter Hearty was presented with a proclamation from State Senator Julie Kushner for his contributions to the town by organizing the 52nd annual New Fairfield St. Patrick's Day Parade. · Click here to see photos of the New Fairfield St. Patrick's Day Parade by Irish Flare Photography.
Danbury's Ancient Order of Hibernians and Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians hold the St. Patrick's Day Ball annually the first Saturday in March at the Amber Room where they honor the man and woman of the year. This year, Richard Hawley, of Danbury, and Wendy Mitchell, of Brookfield, were named the Hibernians of the Year. Hawley was recognized for his years of fundraising at the annual golf classic and for starting the setback league. Mitchell was recognized for her efforts to raise funds for the club at last year's "SHAMROCKAPALOOZA" benefit concert, serving as co-chair of the parade for the last five years, and serving as state recording secretary and webmaster, division Catholic Action and publicity officer.
The Greater Danbury Irish Cultural Foundation and the Greater Danbury Irish Cultural Center kicked off their month-long St. Patrick's Day celebrations with the annual Irish Ball on March 5, 2016. Danbury's new Mayor Dean Esposito presented Mitchell and Hawley with a proclamation from the City of Danbury for their dedication the mission and helping to preserve Irish culture in the greater Danbury area. Senator Julie Kushner presented a proclamation to both from the State of Connecticut.
The duo will have the distinct honor of leading the City of Danbury's parade on Sunday, March 20th at 2:00 p.m., along with their fellow Hibernians, Celtic Cross Pipes and Drums Corps, Newtown Horse Guard, Girl Scout and Boy Scout Troops, local politicians and officials, Danbury and surrounding town's fire departments, Danbury police, and other marching units. The Danbury St. Patrick's Day Parade is co-chaired this year by Kevin Hearty and Catherine Bach.
· 9 a.m. Bethel flag raising, 1 P.T. Barnum Square, Bethel
· 11 a.m. - Mass at St Peter Church, Main St. Danbury with prayers in English and Gaelic
· 12 p.m. - Irish flag raising at Danbury City Hall, Deer Hill Ave. followed by refreshments
· 12:30 p.m. on - Greater Danbury Irish Cultural Center (GDICC), 6 Lake Ave., Danbury, corned beef, cabbage, Shepherd's pie, Irish soda bread, and refreshments. The GDICC has Guinness and Harp on tap as well as a wide variety of other libations. Local Irish dance schools will perform and live bands Fiddlesuice and Steve O'Tree & Friends will play traditional Irish favorites.
On Saturday, March 19th, Two Roads Brewery is sponsoring a "Tap Takeover" with Tipperary Knights, $5 Two Roads specials, raffles, and more!
The 25th Annual Danbury St. Patrick's Day Parade will be held this year on Sunday, March 20, 2022. It is being sponsored by Title Sponsor, Townsquare Media Danbury, Platinum Sponsor Mercedes-Benz of Danbury, Gold Sponsor UK Gourmet and Dream Home Realty of CT. The parade steps off at 2 p.m. at Center and Main Street, Danbury in front of St. Peter Church.
Parade Day is Sunday, March 20, 2022:
· 2 p.m. Greater Danbury St. Patrick's Day parade begins in front of St. Peter Church, Main and Center Streets
· Shuttle buses will begin at 12 p.m. at the Greater Danbury Irish Cultural Center, 6 Lake Ave., Danbury
· Corned beef & cabbage, Shepherd's pie, Irish soda bread, and refreshments will be sold at the Danbury Irish Club, 6 Lake Ave., Danbury. Local Irish dance schools and live bands will perform traditional Irish favorites. Questions? Call the club at (203) 739-0010 or email DanburyIrish@gmail.com.
Photo: Wendy Mitchell, 2022 Danbury Lady Hibernian of the Year, Richard Hawley, 2022 Danbury Mens Hibernian of the Year
Photo Credit: Marion Lynott, Irish Flare Photography