This year, for the first time that I can remember, the St. Paddy’s Day Parade was actually on the very day! Usually, it’s the Sunday before, and so coincides with the Celtic Lands festival at the Museum Center.
It was also bigger than ever – and, while one of the prettiest days, it was one of the coldest. We all got there before 11, as instructed, to help decorate the truck and the car that were Brian’s entry into the festivities. Brian Garry for City Council signs on the sides, front and backs of both, plus so much green that even I was satisfied. Green wavy things on the antennas, St. Patrick’s Day strings of words from last year, that we had to piece together this year – and then tape each letter down because of the super brisk wind. Shamrocks and flags and hats, O My.
At 1:40, we began to move, with Patrick and Kyle carrying the big banner out in front, the drivers and vehicles, and then the rest of us passing out candy and business cards. I hand out the business cards saying, “My son, Brian, he’s running for Council.” If there’s a moment, I’ll ask them to vote for him. The kids want the cards as well as the candy.
Usually I’ve ended up way ahead of the the vehicles – this time, the parade marshalls had everything moving superfast, I expect because of the cold – so most of the time I was running to catch up, as was everyone else!
No time for conversation, and whole blocks didn’t get cards. But they saw those cute Irish kids carrying that banner, one of them with red hair, and most everyone got candy. So it was, as always a great day. Great fun for all of us – and it’s easy to see that Brian really loves that part of campaigning.