NEW LONDON (NBC 26) — On Saturday 'New Dublin’ St. Patrick’s Day Grand Parade returned for the first time since the pandemic.
Every year during the week of St. Patrick's Day, the town of New London turns into 'New Dublin'.
Hosted by the Shamrock Club of New Dublin, the parade is one of just several events that happened throughout the week.
Organizers of the event consider this Wisconsin’s largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade which includes marching bands, clowns and specialty performers, clan and business floats.
“The unity is great. Everyone is Irish today,” said one woman who attended the parade.
“I remember coming here since I was the age of four and I’ve been able to come here since I could. And ever since 2019, I think this is just huge for the community. Two year drought, this is just huge for us," said Chevynaus, a New London native. “This is something you live for and I can’t wait to bring my kid here one day.”
Spectators definitely got into the Irish spirit, sporting out lots and lots of green.
“I’m pure bred Irish, my grandfather and his family immigrated here with his family from Ireland back in the day,” Erin Taylor said.
For Taylor, coming to the parade is a way to remember her late grandfather and honor her cultural pride.
“He instilled my love of Ireland and everything Irish. We have family in Castle Bar. Our heritage stretches far far back and it means so much to me,” Taylor said.
Before and after the parade, there was also a ‘New Dublin Irish Fest’.
From 11 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. on Saturday, people were able to celebrate and join in the festivities.
The festival took place under a hug heated big top tent by the Festival Food parking lot in Downtown New Dublin.
They had Irish food, drinks, entertainment, and market booths.
Below are more pictures from the parade:
