2008 Woodie Awards
When Irish feet go walking
Chris Tompkins '09
Issue date: 3/22/07 Section: Arts & Entertainment
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Here at Providence College we are all very proud of our St. Patrick's Day customs. From waking up bright and early to the Boondock Saints soundtrack to eating a hearty lunch consisting of the traditional corned beef and cabbage at Bradley's Café, we have, for the most part, established ourselves as having a surplus of Irish cheer. Perhaps you think we do it best here at PC; however, I suggest you make the pilgrimage up to South Boston for next years St. Patty's Day parade and celebration.
The festivities are located on Broadway in the heavily populated "Southie" neighborhood right on Dorchesterp Bay. It is a short yet cramped red line train ride from South Station. You may know the area as home to fictional film character Will Hunting, but it is also home to one of the biggest parties of the year. Ninety percent of the residents in the area are of Irish descent; is there a better place to have such an event? The parade has been a Boston tradition since 1901, and this year an estimated 600,000 people braved the cold, windy day to enjoy the spectacle.
As always, there was a plethora of music from around the world, including marching and bagpipe bands. The program also included step dancers, shriners, public servants in their best duds, prominent political figures, and a group of Star Wars fanatics showing their Irish cheer the only way they know how.
I was permitted to march in the parade this year in support of city councilman Sam Yoon, recently elected in November. Yoon is the first Asian American to serve in public office in Boston. The procession moved down Broadway to 4th and 5th Streets, around Thomas Park to Telegraph Street, eventually ending about four miles later at the Andrew Square train stop. We walked along a green corridor the whole way. Nowhere along the trek was there a sparse area of spectators. Folks lined the streets consistently everywhere and added a consistent amount of merriment and support for those walking.
I am sure the vast amounts of alcohol being consumed had something to do with what seemed like an overabundance of happiness. What sober person would paint their eyebrows green? People seemed very generous with their drinks as well: Folks showered the crowd with jello shots from a third story window on 5th Street, and others passed out beverages to participants in the parade when they walked by as if they were running in a marathon.
The festivities are located on Broadway in the heavily populated "Southie" neighborhood right on Dorchesterp Bay. It is a short yet cramped red line train ride from South Station. You may know the area as home to fictional film character Will Hunting, but it is also home to one of the biggest parties of the year. Ninety percent of the residents in the area are of Irish descent; is there a better place to have such an event? The parade has been a Boston tradition since 1901, and this year an estimated 600,000 people braved the cold, windy day to enjoy the spectacle.
As always, there was a plethora of music from around the world, including marching and bagpipe bands. The program also included step dancers, shriners, public servants in their best duds, prominent political figures, and a group of Star Wars fanatics showing their Irish cheer the only way they know how.
I was permitted to march in the parade this year in support of city councilman Sam Yoon, recently elected in November. Yoon is the first Asian American to serve in public office in Boston. The procession moved down Broadway to 4th and 5th Streets, around Thomas Park to Telegraph Street, eventually ending about four miles later at the Andrew Square train stop. We walked along a green corridor the whole way. Nowhere along the trek was there a sparse area of spectators. Folks lined the streets consistently everywhere and added a consistent amount of merriment and support for those walking.
I am sure the vast amounts of alcohol being consumed had something to do with what seemed like an overabundance of happiness. What sober person would paint their eyebrows green? People seemed very generous with their drinks as well: Folks showered the crowd with jello shots from a third story window on 5th Street, and others passed out beverages to participants in the parade when they walked by as if they were running in a marathon.