Jaffrey's St. Patrick's Parade and Shamrock Festival to Draw Large Crowds of Green and Gold

Gear up in your green and get ready to head over to Jaffrey for the Park Theatre's annual Saint Patrick's Parade and Shamrock Festival beginning March 12 through 17. The highlight of the week is the beloved St. Patrick's Parade — and this year, it's extra special. With the Manchester parade canceled, Jaffrey will host the only St. Patrick's parade in New Hampshire. The parade steps off Sunday, March 15, at 2 p.m. (weather date: March 22). The procession begins outside St. Patrick's Parish at 89 Main Street, and travels east along Main Street (Route 124), passing through downtown and in front of The Park Theatre. Thousands are expected to line the streets as bagpipes echo and floats roll by. Returning favorites include the nationally acclaimed New Hampshire Pipes and Drums, Hill's Bandwagon of Vermont, The Flying Irish Dancers, the 1st NH Regiment Revolutions, 6th NH Regiment, Keene American Legion Band, master bagpiper Mark Polifrone and many more. The public is asked to join the parade as well. If you have an organization that would like to march, or if your business would like to enter a float, you can call the theater to sign up at 603-532-8888. With all things Irish in mind, the Shamrock Festival begins on Thursday, March 12 with a cinematic nod to Ireland. The 1981 epic "Excalibur," filmed entirely in Ireland and starring Gabriel Byrne, Liam Neeson and Ciarán Hinds, will be screened in a stunning new 4K restoration. That same evening, audiences can experience "Riverdance 25," a filmed performance celebrating Ireland's most treasured dance company. On Friday, March 13, Boston-based comedian Jimmy Dunn — known for his stand-up as well as television roles on "Frasier" and "The McCarthys" — brings his sharp wit and Irish humor to the stage. Saturday, March 14, welcomes one of America's most respected contemporary Irish folk bands, ISHNA, to the Eppes stage. Known for exhilarating instrumentals and heartfelt ballads, they have captivated audiences around the globe. Sunday, the day of the parade, you will be entertained with the local musical favorite, The Grateful Dads, playing in The Park's Lounge starting at noon. They break to be in the parade, and they return to the theatre for Irish songs and more until 5 p.m. Starting at noon, food will be available for sale at the concession stand and in the lobby. Items include hamburgers, hot dogs and baked goods, plus hot chocolate, coffee/teas and lots of Guinness. After the parade, at 3 p.m., a special screening of the classic Walt Disney children's film, "Darby O'Gill and The Little People," will take place on the big screen at the theatre. Tickets are $10 and $9 for those 12 and younger. Finally, on Saint Patrick's Day, Tuesday, March 17, at 7 p.m., there will be a Limerick Slam at the theater with a $150 cash prize for best original limerick. Participants need to send in their limerick ahead of the evening. Traditional limericks can and will be read as well, but only an original limerick wins the cash prize. Details and rules are available at theparktheatre.org/limerick-slam. During the festival, Irish Whiskey sampling with solo and trio flights will be sold in the Lounge. (All alcoholic purchases require photo ID.) Shamrock Fest's official media sponsor is WKNE, part of Monadnock Media Group, and the parade and festival are supported by more than two dozen sponsors from Jaffrey and the Monadnock Region. A full sponsor list is available at shamrockfest.org. Program guides will be available beginning March 2 at sponsor locations throughout the region. Shamrock Fest and the Jaffrey St. Patrick's Parade are produced by The Park Theatre and the parade was co-founded by Kevin Hampsey and Jimmy Quinn. Hampsey continues to produce the parade, and Jimmy is the Grand Marshall Emeritus. Steve Jackson, CEO of The Park Theatre, and volunteer Diana Griffin will host and announce the parade in front of the theatre on Main Street. For tickets and information, go to theparktheatre.org or shamrockfest.org or call the box office at 603-532-8888. The Park Theatre performing arts center is located at 19 Main Street in downtown Jaffrey.