Months of excitement lead up to parade step-off

from Weekend - March 16, 2023

Easthampton

Councilor Gerard (Jerry) Roy will guide Chicopee contingent as parade marshal

By C ori U rban Special To The Republican

HOURS UPON hours of preparation go into getting ready for the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade, but it never gets old or tiring for Mary O’Brien Rodowicz, publicity chairperson for the St. Patrick’s Parade Committee of Chicopee. “It seems that right after New Year’s, excitement begins to build for the parade,” she said.

The committee has several events leading up to parade day including the President’s Dinner, when VIPs are presented with their sashes; the Colleen Coronation Ball, when the colleen and court are chosen; and Irish Night, a less formal occasion to celebrate the season with food, music and dancing.

Then comes the highlight for Rodowicz: “Stepping off onto Northampton Street (at the beginning of the parade). All the hard work is behind us; that is the time to celebrate and wave to all the spectators as we walk by!”

Chicopee is a diverse city, and “you can see much of that diversity in the parade, which is wonderful,” she said. “On March 19, our Irish music, dance and culture will be front and center. Everyone is welcome to be a little Irish on St. Patrick’s Day!”

The 2023 colleen is Kailyn Poniatowski, 17, a student at Chicopee Comprehensive High School. Court members are: Nydia Morales, 17, a student at Chicopee High School; Martha O’Donnell, 18, a student at the Ethel Walker School; Hailey Prive, will include cheerleading squads and marching bands from Chicopee High and Chicopee Comprehensive high schools, representatives of the fire and police departments, Chicopee elected officials, parade committee members, Chicopee Braves Football participants and cheerleaders as well as representatives of WWLP-22 News and The CW of Springfield, Moose Family Center and Boy Scout Troops 1849 and 183.