Work is Relaxation for This Year's Newport St. Patrick's Parade Grand Marshal

Within moments of meeting Brian Arnold for the first time, it quickly becomes clear that he’s a man who doesn’t take himself too seriously.

“It came as a total surprise,” Arnold said of his reaction upon learning he had been chosen to lead the city in its 59th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade as its Grand Marshal.

“It never crossed my mind that I’d get that type of honor,” Arnold said. “Usually it’s reserved for special people.”

He joked that the reason there was snow on the ground heading into parade day this Saturday is likely an omen.

“That’s what they get for picking me,” he said. “I’ll be bringing my shovel.”

A man who “enjoys my Budweisers,” another certainty about this well-known Newporter and businessman is that even if he doesn’t take himself seriously, he is serious about working hard.

“Work is relaxing for me,” he said. “I enjoy my job tremendously.”

That job is running his construction company, BR Arnold Construction, which he founded in 1973 and quickly built into a highly regarded company known for quality work and attention to detail.

A man of his word, Arnold found a way to get rid of the rest of his free time in 1987 when he and his beloved wife Debbie bought ”Cappys” Hillside Cafe, where he can be found manning the taps and catching up with friends.

“The construction trade will drive you to drinking,” he said. “That’s why you buy a place — to get a good discount.”

In all seriousness, Arnold said he is “taken aback” and “humbled” to serve as Grand Marshal, and much like his other jobs, he’ll take the job seriously.

“The history of the parade goes back pretty much the year I was born,” he said. “It’s a great parade, a great tradition. The Irish roots in Newport are tremendous.”

Arnold, 60, is the father of two daughters, a grandfather and has devoted countless hours serving the community, and not just from behind the bar or while wearing a tool belt.

He has served on the board at Norman Bird Sanctuary, the Newport County Convention and Visitors Bureau, is a member of the Rhode Island Builder’s Association, National Association of Home Builders, and was once the Elk’s Citizen of the Year, according to his biography on the Newport St. Patrick’s Day Parade website.

The cafe is a generous donor to many causes, especially the Hillside Charitable Foundation, which was founded to help locals going through tough times due to medical and financial issues.

A 1974 graduate of Rogers High school, Arnold is also a proud of his Irish roots. His mother hails from County Clare, Ireland, and came to the United States when she was 19. He has visited the country several times over the years.

Leading the parade is “new for me,” Arnold said.

As a man who has led by example his whole life here in Newport, “I’m just going to enjoy the day, enjoy that spot, and try to lead that parade.”

Photo Courtesy: Newport Kinsale via Facebook