Saint Mary’s Parish in Gloucester City is presenting a month full of Irish events and initiatives in celebration of Saint Patrick’s Day in Gloucester City.
The city’s Irish heritage dates back to the 1600s when Irish Quakers first settled in Gloucester Town, now known as Gloucester City. Today over 40 percent of its residents claim Irish American heritage.
“Gloucester City has a strong sense of pride in its Irish roots, and we want to help showcase that to the region and contribute to preserving the culture by offering events and educational opportunities tied to the history here,” said Msgr. William Hodge, pastor of Saint Mary Parish.
The month-long celebration includes the Saint Patrick’s Parade, a 5K run/walk in memoriam of legendary Villanova athlete and coach Jack Pyrah, a festive decorating contest for businesses and homes located in the city, a Saint Patrick’s Day traditional Irish Breakfast, and an Irish concert featuring Andy Cooney, named “Irish America’s Favorite Son” by The New York Times.
Entertainment at the parade will include string bands, bagpipe groups, Irish dancers, and other performances. A myriad of community groups, including Gloucester High School and the Knights of Columbus are also part of the day’s festivities. The New Jersey Ancient Order of Hibernians has declared Saint Mary’s festive procession their official parade of 2018.
Following the parade, Gloucester City’s pubs and restaurants will be offering entertainment as well as food and drink promotions. New to this year’s festivities, select establishments will be selling limited edition “Pints for a Purpose,” an Irish Month March Gladness themed souvenir pint glass. The glasses will sell for $10 each with the first pour on the house. Proceeds from the sales of the glasses will go to Saint Mary’s Food Bank, which feeds local families in need. Entertainment highlights planned to date include Tavern on the Edge, who will host the Broken Shillelaghs, and Chubby’s 1½ Hearth Steakhousem who is featuring traditional Irish music performances by Patch and Bob Glennan after the parade on March 4.
More information can be found on the Facebook events page https://www.facebook.com/Gloucestercityirish/
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