Richmond unveils plans for 2018 Irish Month
The Richmond and Area St. Patrick's Society, in collaboration with the Town of Richmond has announced the program for this year’s 141st Irish Month.
On March 17 every year for the past 141 years, St. Patrick's Day has been celebrated in Richmond. At a press conference Tuesday, St. Patrick's Society President Erika Lockwood announced the many activities that will mark the month accompanied by several partners, including the City of Richmond and the Richmond Arts Center.
Among the activities and events planned are the ‘Green Auction’ and corned beef dinner on March 3, a medieval evening and Irish celebration on March 10, an Irish Mass on March 11, a ‘green bingo on March 13, the Irish theatrical production ‘The Great Mass’ at the Arts Center on March 17, and the celebrated parade on Sunday, March 18 beginning at 2 p.m. The celebration will end with a brunch on Sunday, March 25 at 9 a.m. at the Legion.
Early St. Pat's Society celebrations included a religious service and an evening concert on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17. At the time, the procession included only men and the evening concert featured a patriotic speech. Over the years, the one-day celebration has expanded to a full month of festivities honouring the town’s Irish history.
With 140 years of history, the community’s Irish roots have become established and carry on with activities such as parades, guest speakers, banquets, concerts, an Irish dancing school, a curling bonspiel, musical events, and the release of a newsletter during the month of March.
"For more than 140 years, volunteers have been the foundation of our success,” said Lockwood. “Without them, and without our loyal partners, we would not be able to prepare a program that is interesting for everyone. In short, it is through the contribution of everyone that the success of Richmond’s Irish month is a success."
Every year, St. Patrick's Day celebrations in Richmond attract approximately 8,000 people, demonstrating the popularity of the event. It is a unique opportunity for the public to discover the traditions of one of the four founding peoples of the Richmond area.