Reed, Former Mayor McNamara to Represent City in Parade
By Editor at February 26, 2024 | 8:00 am | Print
The city’s Irish spirit and the dedication of its citizens to public and community service will be well-represented in this year’s Greater Hartford St. Patrick’s Day Parade on March 12 in Hartford. Carol Reed, a longtime member of the local Ancient Order of Hibernians Ladies Auxiliary, will serve as the city’s town marshal, and former Democratic Mayor William J. McNamara will serve as the city’s town honoree, when the parade steps off at 11:00 a.m. from the State Capitol.
“We are immensely pleased to honor Carol Reed and Bill McNamara in this year’s parade,” said Suzanne Stewart Parlow, chairperson of New Britain’s parade committee. “Together, they embody the city’s Irish roots, Irish-American spirit and an enduring legacy of public and community service.”
Carol Reed- In addition to her lifelong cultural dedication, Carol Reed has actively supported numerous local, statewide and national organizations, including the American Cancer Society, March of Dimes, Make-A-Wish Foundation, the Breast Cancer Health Initiative and New Britain Rebuilding Together.
William McNamara- Public service and education are the pillars of Bill McNamara’s legacy. After serving his country in the US Army and the US Military Olympics, “Billy Mac” served his city as a police officer, a municipal employee, alderman, commissioner, a longtime city and college educator and as its Democratic Mayor from 1977-1989.
The City of New Britain joined the Greater Hartford St. Patrick’s Day Parade with a full contingent in 2014. In prior years, the New Britain High School Golden Hurricanes Marching Band was the sole representative for New Britain.
With the support of Mayor Erin Stewart, a group of local residents and business owners formed New Britain’s parade committee and secured unanimous approval from the Central Connecticut Celtic Cultural Committee to join the Greater Hartford St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
“Showcasing our city and its Irish history is an important way to share the message that New Britain is a good place to live, work and raise a family,” said Mayor Stewart. “I encourage people to participate in the parade or attend the parade and show their support for the city!”
Each year, the city honors someone who represents deep Irish roots or Irish heritage, as well as a person or group who represents the city in a positive light, such as those dedicated to community service. Previous town marshals and honorees have included:
2014: Suzanne Stewart Parlow, Town Marshal
New Britain police officer Brett Morgan, Town Honoree
2015: Irish city native Ray Greene, Town Marshal
NBHS Golden Hurricanes Marching Band, Town Honoree
This year, the Parade will again be broadcast live on FOX CT WTIC-TV beginning at 11:30 a.m. The parade coverage will be rebroadcast on St. Patrick’s Day, March 17, at noon on WCCT-TV. The City of New Britain is seventh in a line-up of 11 parade contingents.
For more information on the parade and the parade route, visit www.irishamericanparade.com
If any local civic, business, political, fraternal, educational or cultural organizations, scouts, or professional musicians are interested in marching in this year’s parade, please contact parade committee chairperson Suzanne Parlow at 860-729-6712 or [email protected].
