24th Danbury St. Patrick's Day Parade Slated for Sunday, March 24

DANBURY, CT — Don't put away those festive green threads too soon— Danbury's Irish-Americans have a spectacular parade planned for St. Patrick's Day, the weekend after St. Patrick's Day, that promises fun and entertainment for kids and adults of all ages.

Co-chaired by Kevin Hearty, of New Fairfield, and Wendy Mitchell, of Ridgefield, the parade celebrates 24 years in the Hat City and will include over 30 marching units from all over the Nutmeg state. Hearty is a first generation Irish-American and the son of bagpiper Peter Hearty who plays in Celtic Cross Pipes & Drums marching band. Mitchell's family hails from County Cork Ireland, a few generations back, and serves on the Board of Directors for the Greater Danbury Irish Cultural Foundation along with Hearty.

Both co-chairs are members of the Ancient Order of Hibernains, an Irish-Catholic cultural fraternal organization whose members strive to live their motto of live our motto of: “Friendship, Unity, and Christian Charity.”

The Danbury St. Patrick's Day Parade steps off at 2 p.m. in downtown Danbury on Sunday, March 24, 2019 in front of St. Peter Church on Main Street. After the parade steps off, it continues up Main Street, turns left on West Street and proceeds up to the Greater Danbury Irish Cultural Center (GDICC), 6 Lake Avenue, Danbury where there will be Irish music, food, and dance. The parade includes bands, floats, dancers, and marchers. Go to the GDICC afterward for corned beef sandwiches and other food and desserts, music, drinks and a great time.

"Pixi Stick," a Welsh "spokes-pony" is a rescue horse from Rising Star Horse Rescue in Redding, will join the parade lineup, and will host a meet-and-greet after the parade at the GDICC.

The GDICC has a month-long schedule of events planned in March, including flag raisings, live Irish music and dance St. Patrick's Day weekend and more, to celebrate St. Patrick's Day. Read more details here: Month-Long Events Schedule Kicks Off St. Patrick's Celebrations.

This year's St. Patrick's Day parade sponsors are as follows:

Gold Sponsors:

• The Irish Echo
• The Abbey Restaurant and Bar

Silver Sponsor:

• Panache Car Wash of Danbury

Bronze Sponsors:

• Savings Bank of Danbury
• Dorello Carpets & Area Rugs
• UK Gourmet

T-Shirt Sponsors:

• Murphy's Pub Newtown
• Terzian & Son
• Modern Plumbing Supply
• Your Peace of Mind Childcare
• K.T.K. Sporting Goods LLC

Goody Bag Sponsors:

• Rising Starr Horse Rescue
• Savers of Brookfield CT
• Danbury Dynamic Dance & Fitness LLC
• Magner Funeral Home

For more information, email parade co-chairs Kevin Hearty or Wendy Mitchell: kevin.hearty@ncps-k12.org or wendyannmitchell@live.com.

ABOUT THE GDICC

The goals of our organization are the preservation and teaching of Irish heritage and culture for our own enrichment and enjoyment as well as the next generation's and for all people who are interested in our heritage with a program of teaching, workshops and cultural events. Classes and workshops include Irish Language, Dance, Music, Singing, Drama, Storytelling, Genealogy, Literature, History and Gaelic Sports. Events include Irish language days, concerts, plays, games, lectures, book clubs and monthly seisiúins.

Currently, the Greater Danbury Irish Cultural Foundation (GDICF) offers weekly Irish language classes at the beginning and intermediate levels; weekly fiddle and whistle classes at the beginning and intermediate levels; weekly céilí and set dancing classes; monthly seisiún; a 1 day traditional acoustic Irish music festival; and an annual 3 day Irish Festival (the Danbury Irish Festival) with a full program of traditional Irish cultural entertainment.

Questions? Call (203) 739-0010, email DanburyIrish@gmail.com or visit www.gdicc.org.