West Side adds ‘whimsical folklore’ to parade

Middle school student helped create float design

By C ori U rban Special to The Republican

“WHIMSICAL

Irish Folklore” is the theme of this year’s West Springfield contingent’s float in the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade.

Northampton

“Every year we create a new float from scratch; a design is chosen from the middle school students based on a theme,” said Karen L. Demers, president of West Springfield’s parade contingent.

Between 35 and 50 people are involved with the contingent’s efforts including float builders, painter/design specialists, committee members, fundraisers, web designers, sponsorship organizers —

“anything that a nonprofit needs to be successful,” she said. “Building a float in a building with little or no heat can be challenging,” but the volunteers get the job done.

Among those marching with the West Springfield contingent will be elected officials, members of the fire and police departments, the West Springfield High School band, athletes and the colleen and her court.

The colleen winner is Emmalee Spear and court members are Paige Davis, Jillian Elizabeth Stopa, Lauren Eleanor Fletcher and Kadyn Faith McDonough.

This year’s award recipients