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Eighth Annual Essex go Bragh Irish Parade

March 9, 2019 @ 10:30 am - 2:00 pm

Each year in Essex, Connecticut, around the middle of March, everyone gets to be Irish for a day. The Eighth Annual Essex go Bragh Irish Parade & Festival will be held Saturday, March 9th with the parade stepping off from Town Hall at 10:30a.m. This special event is sponsored by Essex Park and Recreation and is held annually on the second Saturday of March.

The Essex go Bragh (translated as Essex Forever) Irish Parade will feature an Irish-themed parade down Main Street into the heart of Essex Village. The idea for this event was born in the minds of Park and Recreation staff as a new special event for Essex that would get people together in the village for fun and festivities and to hopefully break the spell of a long and cold winter. As the Town of Essex was already a host to a multitude of parades throughout the year, Park and Recreation thought why not create another parade? Over the years Essex go Bragh has been very well received by the community, enjoying many hundreds of visitors each year.

The parade is truly a festive affair for the whole family with a lot to see and enjoy. A color guard of local Essex veterans leads the march followed by a carriage, drawn by horses from Allegra Farms, carries our grand marshal along our parade route. Local officials and politicians compete for space amongst the fife and drums, Irish step dancers, tractors and floats. In previous years, local scouting organizations, Essex Lions Club, Essex Community Fund, Ivoryton Playhouse, Essex Fire Department’s antique fire truck and live music have highlighted the parade as well. Additionally, marchers have included the Valley Regional High School Crew & Lacrosse Teams, the Essex Elementary School Green Team, several local businesses and many other community groups. Music is provided by the Sailing Masters of 1812.

The 2019 Grand Marshals are John & Judy Heiser who been living and contributing to the Essex Community for many years. Both have been actively involved with the Town and many local organizations Again, the parade steps off from Town Hall at 10:30 am, turns on to West Avenue, before proceeding down Main Street into the heart of Essex Village. Visitors to our event are encouraged to arrive and park near downtown well before 10:30am as some roads close to traffic for the duration of the parade.

All Essex residents and community organizations are encouraged to get involved. Full event information will be posted on our website prior to March 9. Our event guests enjoy visiting the wonderful local merchants and restaurants in Essex Village who provide a wide variety of unique shopping and dining opportunities.

Activities for 2019 will include free Horse & Carriage rides, Face Painting with Bohemian Body Art at Earth & Fire Art Studio, a bake sale by VRHS, Girls Scout Cookie sale, both located outside Olive Oyls and Special Events at the Griswold Inn. Visit Essex Park and Recreation Facebook page for a complete listing of activities.

Essex Park and Recreation invites your group or organization to come “March with Us.” To confirm your group’s participation, or for more information, contact Essex Park and Recreation at 860-767-4340 x110 or recreation@essexct.gov. Come out and join our green-clad, cheerful crowd at the 8th Annual Essex go Bragh Irish Parade and Festival and celebrate being Irish … if just for the day.

Details

Date:
March 9, 2019
Time:
10:30 am - 2:00 pm
Event Categories:
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Venue

Essex Village
69 Nott Lane
Essex, CT 06426 United States
+ Google Map
Phone
(860) 767-3904
View Venue Website

Contact Us



    Essex Board of Trade, Inc., P.O. Box 322
    Essex, CT 06426 or email Info@EssexCT.com