Shamrock Stroll nets record crowd, elects best venue

On March 17, more than 60 people participated in Downtown Framingham, Inc.'s Annual Shamrock Stroll, partaking in social games, voting for their favorite art pieces, and choosing the best overall venue. Strollers converged from across the area, excited to defy the chilly temps as they traveled by foot from one venue to the next.

“This stroll is really fun. My husband is ready to move here in a few years,” shared Alissa from Weymouth, Massachusetts.

The stroll kicked-off at Exhibit ‘A’ Brewing Company, where participants were adorned with shamrock necklaces and glow sticks. Strollers took a shot playing malarkey, also known as two facts and a fib, with their new friends.

Votes were cast for the best art piece at Exhibit A's Morton Street Gallery, curated by Amazing Things Art Center. Lena McCarthy’s Imagined Globe and Wanderlust pieces tied for first place. McCarthy’s art will be featured in a paid social media marketing campaign sponsored by Downtown Framingham, Inc.

At the second stop in Springdale Barrel Room, participants chased down other strollers, ready to discover the real authors of anonymous responses to questions about their favorite downtown business, hobby, and dream destination. Here, strollers elected Rebecca Skinner’s Pink #4 as the best art piece, currently exhibited in the art gallery curated by the Framingham Contemporary Artists Group.

Over at Depot 417, strollers elected Kristin Stashenko’s Quincy Market as the overwhelming favorite. Both Skinner and Stashenko will receive gift cards to Blick Art Materials. Depot 417 served Irish-themed complimentary appetizers which the hungry strollers happily consumed inside the historic, steam-punk restaurant.

“We’re so glad the crowd loved the corned beef dumpling appetizers. I’d love to add them to our menu,” exclaimed Depot 417 General Manger Mary Donovan.

Next, the crowd filed into the final stop, Danny Sullivan’s, which capitalized upon the Irish-themed night. The inclusive open spaces were perfect for socializing, unwinding, and humming along to Scott Magill’s acoustic set. Stroller Debra Polomarekno was randomly selected to receive a complimentary shirt from her favorite venue, Exhibit ‘A’ Brewing Company.

Here, strollers cast votes for the final and most intense competition – best Shamrock Stroll venue. With 43 percent of the vote, Springdale Barrel Room was crowned the winner, and Danny Sullivan’s claimed the runner-up position with 33 percent of the vote. The winning venue will be promoted in a social media campaign sponsored by Downtown Framingham, Inc.

Downtown Framingham, Inc. is an independent 501(c)(3) non-profit organization committed to building business, community, and culture in downtown Framingham. The next community stroll is the Cinco de Mayo Stroll on Saturday, May 5.

For more information: https://www.downtownframingham...

Cinco de Mayo Stroll: https://downtownframinghaminc....