Norwich has a very strong Irish history. In the 1840s many Irish families fled to America to escape the potato famine. They joined those Irish already in the area in what is now Greeneville and were employed largely at the Norwich & Worcester Railroad. The Irish Catholic population grew so large in town they required a church, and St. Mary’s Parish, the first Roman Catholic Church in eastern Connecticut, was built in 1845.

Today, they celebrate their Irish ancestry with the Norwich St. Patrick’s Parade and Festival. Started in 2014 by a group of downtown Norwich business people and City of Norwich employees, this year’s parade will be held on March 6. The parade steps off at 1 p.m. in front of Otis Library on Main Street and traverses the downtown, ending back where it started and is followed up by a festival.

The parade is organized and funded by Norwich Events Organization, an all-volunteer group still largely made up of downtown business owners.

The parade route starts on Main Street by Otis Library, and takes a right down Franklin Street passing by Epicure Brewing, Foundry 66 and These Guys Brewing, turning left after Artspace onto Willow Street, a left onto Chestnut Street passing by the Chestnut Street Playhouse, a left onto Broadway passing by Pie Hops/Latin Quarter, Norwich Arts Center, Billy Wilson’s Ageing Still, Reliance Health, Craftsman Cliff Roasters and more, and taking a left back onto Main Street.

Norwich Events is excited to bring back all aspects of the parade and festival in 2022, although a little bit differently than before. Following the parade, you can take a tour of downtown establishments including Billy Wilson’s Ageing Still, Epicure Brewing, Harp and Dragon Pub, Pie Hops/Latin Quarter, Strange Brew Pub and These Guys Brewing to catch some live music and beverages. Grab a bite to eat at a number of food trucks located throughout the downtown.

Grand Marshal is Angela Adams. The group is still working on finalizing this year’s event, so for updates or to register your group to march in the parade visit GoNorwichCT.com or follow on the Facebook Page facebook.com/GoNorwichCT.