Greenwich St. Patrick's Day Parade Will Return In 2022

GREENWICH, CT — The annual St. Patrick's Day Parade will return to Greenwich in 2022 after COVID-19 canceled the festivities the past two years.

The 46th annual parade, presented by the Greenwich Hibernian Association, will be held on March 20 at 2 p.m.

Former Greenwich Selectman John Toner will serve as the grand marshal; he'll be honored during the Hibernian Association's St. Patrick's dinner dance on March 5. Toner was chosen as the grand marshal of the 2020 and 2021 parades, which were canceled because of the pandemic.

St. Patrick’s Day Events Publicity Chairman James Dougherty said he's excited to see the parade back in action after two long years.

"It's been frustrating going through all the planning and getting everything lined up and all set to go and having to cancel it both years," Dougherty said. "This year it looks like we're on no matter what, so we're really excited to make it happen."

Dougherty said the parade should look similar to those in past years.

"We hope it's business as usual. We've reached out to all groups and bands who have marched in the past. So far it looks like we're getting a good response. Two years off gave us time to research and look into new bands," Dougherty said.

Dougherty praised Toner and called him a worthy grand marshal.

"I've known John for quite a while and served on some nonprofit organizations with him," Dougherty said. "He served the town as selectman and I've never heard anyone say anything but great things about John. He's very active in the community and community oriented, and always looking to help people."

Toner was born in Greenwich, the son of Bartley and Rose Toner, both immigrants from Ireland. After graduating from Manhattanville College, Toner spent two years in Ghana with the Peace Corps teaching english and literature.

After the Peace Corps work, Toner began a 27-year career in finance with Chase Manhattan Bank, where he eventually became vice-president. After retirement, Toner served in the nonprofit sector and in Greenwich town government.

In 1998, Toner joined the Greenwich Representative Town Meeting in District 2, where he remained until he was named as a selectman in 2015 following the sudden death of Selectman Dave Theiss. Toner was re-elected and retired in 2019.

Over the years, Toner has volunteered with Greenwich Hospital, Call-A-Ride and the Transportation Association of Greenwich, among many other organizations.

The announcement of the parade's return comes as COVID-19 cases continue to decline, following a surge around the holiday season and into the new year.

First Selectman Fred Camillo said COVID-19 protocols at town facilities could be eased in the coming weeks.

Parade information and updates will be posted on the Greenwich Hibernian’s website.