The 43rd annual Worcester County St. Patrick’s Parade once again brought thousands of people together in celebration of Irish heritage, culture, and community spirit. Lining the two-mile stretch of Park Avenue, spectators cheered as marchers, dancers, and musicians filled the street with excitement and energy.
Despite earlier concerns about the weather, the rain held off, allowing for a smooth and joyous parade. For many, the event is an annual tradition, including this year’s Grand Marshal, Kate McEvoy.
“Well, I have been on this parade committee and I’ve come to this parade since I was a little kid,” McEvoy said. “So, this is more meaning than anyone can imagine.”
McEvoy led a procession that featured more than 40 marching groups and 25 decorated floats, showcasing a variety of cultures, organizations, and local businesses. One such highlight was the Murphy Academy of Irish Dance, based in Grafton, which has been working to keep Irish traditions alive since its founding in 2017.
“I started it with my sisters Elizabeth and Erin in 2017, and it’s just taken off,” Bridget (Murphy) Moseley said. “It’s just a love and joy. It’s really like a bug—it’s contagious. Once you start, you can never stop, and the kids are all enjoying it.”
Among the excited attendees were Joselyn and Francis Wanjau, Worcester residents who have made attending the parade a family tradition for two decades.
“This is always fun to see everybody come out and be happy,” Francis said. “Sometimes you don’t see a whole lot of that, but today people are just enjoying their time, which is amazing.”
For Auburn resident Mike Pham, the parade carried a special sense of nostalgia. A former saxophone player for the Adams Street School marching band, Pham recalled his own experiences marching down Park Avenue years ago.
This year marked the return of the College of the Holy Cross and Worcester Polytechnic Institute bands, which had previously missed the event due to their spring break schedules. Their presence added to the vibrant sounds of the parade, alongside the iconic bagpipes and energetic performances from school groups and community organizations.
Doherty Memorial High School was well-represented, with students and staff participating in the festivities. Many proudly displayed theirown cultural backgrounds alongside the Irish spirit, emphasizing the parade’s broader celebration of diversity in Worcester.
A longtime favorite of the parade, the Worcester County Shrine Club and Melha Shriners did not disappoint. Their impressive fleet of miniature vehicles zipped along the route, thrilling young spectators like 7-year-old Ethan Espinal, who was so mesmerized by their performance that he momentarily forgot about the candy at his feet.
“My son absolutely loves the parade,” said Kristie Dube of Grafton. “We try to come because he also loves getting to see all the bagpipes.”
Spectators were also treated to a variety of historic vehicles, including vintage fire trucks, a Vietnam War-era helicopter, and a classic race car that looked straight out of the early 20th century. For 8-year-old Nate Dube, these relics were a highlight of the day, even pulling his attention away from the candy he had eagerly collected.
As the parade reached the intersection of Pleasant Street, the energy shifted. Outside Leitrim’s Pub, a lively college-aged crowd gathered, making the most of the festivities in their own way. The excitement and cheers only grew louder as the procession continued.
With another successful year in the books, the Worcester County St. Patrick’s Parade Committee is already setting its sights on next year’s 44th annual parade. If this year was any indication, Worcester can look forward to yet another unforgettable celebration of culture, tradition, and community.
