Scituate & Cape Cod the places
With St. Patrick’s Day drawing near, if you’re even kind of near Boston, you know the drill: the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and festivities all around town.
But what if you want that Irish spirit, but not in a city setting?
Good news: Irish heritage runs deep across the Bay State. That means, as far as celebrations go, you’ve got options. Consider these less crowded but just as fun parades and events centered around Irish culture.
Cape Cod St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Boston was a main port of arrival for Irish immigrants, but the Cape called out to them as well.
This year’s parade takes place on March 11 — meaning you can get into the mood sooner — and steps off from Skull Island on Route 28 in Yarmouth, taking on a twomile route to Higgins Crowell Road.
A family-friendly event, this parade is substantial. The floats are impressive with designs that come from the heart. Local businesses and residents compete for prizes, including The Oscar Wilde Award (most whimsical), the Golden Harp Award (most spectacular) and many more.
There are plenty of bands and other entertainment, this year including The Wolftones, a popular Irish group.
It’s a relatively easy visit, too. Arrive before 10:30 a.m. (when the road closes to be ready for the parade) and you’ll find plenty of parking spots within an easy stroll to the parade route.
Or, head down for the
night. Nearby Bayside Resort (https://baysideresort.com) is a great family-friendly overnight spot within easy walking distance to the parade. There’s even a pub for your pint and plenty for the kids to do while you sip: an indoor pool and games to play.
And if you want to accentuate the day with authentic fare, the Cape has plenty of great Irish Pub style choices.
You’ll find Captain Parker’s Pub (https:// www.captainparkers. com) in West Yarmouth, where a perfectly poured Guinness has been on tap for decades. They open early on parade day — 8
a.m. — and begin serving both classic American and Irish breakfast choices. Later in the day you’ll find Irish-themed specials.
Scituate St. Patrick’s Day Parade
What began as a group of Minot Beach area residents deciding to have their own small holiday parade is now the largest St. Patrick’s Day Parade
on the South Shore.
It makes sense that the biggest parade would take place in Scituate — this year on March 19. After all, “The Irish Riviera” as it is oft called places first as the “Most Irish Town in America.”
The Irish were drawn to Scituate from Boston by the sea mossing; a once vibrant industry that centered in and beyond the quaint harbor (there’s even a Maritime
and Irish Mossing Museum in town where you can learn more).
The parade, with over 100 parts (floats, bands, music and fun), starts from the old Gates Intermediate School (near the Elephant Pond for locals), down First Parish Road, through Scituate Harbor (Front Street) and ends at the Scituate Harbor Community Center at 44 Jericho Rd (formerly Pier 44).
The town lets locals “run” for mayor for the day each year. Those who run ask friends to donate to the parade support as “votes” for Grand Marshall. You can vote for the two running: Mick Carlyle and Allison CrowleyShort, on www.weloveaparade.com.
Parking near the parade isn’t the best idea. Rather, park at Scituate High School or Widow’s Walk Golf Course on Driftway, where free shuttles will bring folks to and from the parade route start. Should it be a nice day, the walk from Widow’s Walk to the Harbor is lovely and safe, thanks to a great bike and walk path.
To round out your day, consider the Hibernian Tavern (https://www.hiberniantavern.com) in Scituate Harbor, or if the crowd is too much for you, zip over to The Tinker’s
Son (https://www. thetinkersson.com) in Norwell, or The Snug (https://www.snugpub. com) in Hingham.
Or get an early start on a classic Scituate Irish summer: Grab a sub at Maria’s on Front Street (don’t ask for lettuce!) and head to the lighthouse or Cole Parkway to look out at the seascape and mossing area that drew so many of Irish descent there so long ago.