Stratford Mayor Hoydick Appoints Doonan Honorary Irish Mayor

Stratford CT

16 March, 2021

11:31 AM

Description

This year's St. Patrick's Day festivities at Town Hall in Stratford will begin with the raising of the Irish flag in a ceremony on the green on front of Town Hall at 9:00 a.m. on Wednesday, March 17, 2021. Mayor Laura R. Hoydick will name the Irish Mayor for the Day, Mary Ann Doonan. Doonan is Grand Marshal of the Greater Bridgeport St. Patrick's Day Parade, which is being held virtually this year. She is the first woman in Stratford to receive this honor in the parade's 40 year history. She is has lived in Stratford for almost 60 years and is a parishioner at St. James Church. In consideration of continuing concerns associated with the ongoing COVID-19pandemic, the traditional reception and Irish soda bread competition which are usually afeature of the celebration will not be held this year. "Last year the first of many public events we lost from the pandemic was our traditional celebration of St. Patrick's Day at Town Hall," said Mayor Laura Hoydick. "While we remain cautious as we approach this time of year again, it will be good to be able to celebrate this event once again, even if we can't enjoy all of the aspects of it we ordinarily do." All town residents are encouraged to attend. Social distancing and wearing of masks will be required at this event. State Senator Kevin Kelly will be master of ceremonies of the Stratford ceremony. This year's committee for St. Patrick's Day includes Eileen Murphy, Attorney Tom Cotter, Chief of Staff Michael Downes, Police Chief Joe McNeil, and Fire Chief Brian Lampart. The Greater Bridgeport St. Patrick's Day Parade will be virtual this year and include a Battle of the Pipe Band Competition. The parade starts at Noon and will include four pipe bands, two Irish Step Dance schools, many elected officials and local Irish-American community members. Quick links from the parade website: http://stpatricksdaybridgeport.com YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCut2S6UosQq29qKsjCLzA2Q Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/St.PatricksParadeBridgeport Happy St. Patrick's Day!!