In March of 2020, just days before the Soulanges Irish Society was to march along Main Road for the 11th Edition of the Hudson St-Patrick's Parade, COVID-19 restrictions locked down the Province. There was no parade. Undaunted, we vowed that we would march again. And march we did.
In March of 2021, a small, impromptu gathering of SIS members, executives, and dignitaries, led by a piper, walked a few blocks along Main Road in Hudson keeping the tradition of the Hudson Parade alive. Sadly, because of the timing of the lifting of restrictions, there will be no parade in Hudson again this year. But, the Irish will not be kept from marching in Hudson.
The Soulanges Irish Society will be hosting a week's worth of events celebrating St. Patrick's Day. On Saturday, March 12th, the SIS will be hosting an Irish Mingle. You haven't mingled until you've mingled with the Irish. The fun begins at 2pm at McKibbin's Irish Pub in Vaudreuil (3036 Boulevard de la Gare, Vaudreuil-Dorion).
There will be music from the band, Mariners' Curse. Dancers from the Costello School of Irish Dance will perform. And, SIS Queen, Emma Gauthier and her court, Princess Robin Brodrick, and Princess Chris Walsh will be there along with several other members of the SIS executive and dignitaries.
Our sponsors, Moosehead Brewers, and Jameson's Distillers will be on hand with gifts and specials. Also, the folks from Jameson's will be holding a tasting event featuring two of their newest Irish Whiskeys. It will be a grand kick-off to Irish Season.
On St-Patrick's Day, March 17th, the SIS Executive and Dignitaries including the Queen and her court will be touring area pubs in a show of support as restrictions are lifted and festivities begin. On Friday, March 18th, there will be two Irish Breakfasts in the area, both will be supporting local charities. From 7 to 11 am, there will be an Irish Breakfast at McKibbin's West Island (In the Complexe Pointe-Claire - St. John's and the T-Can) benefitting the Teresa Dellar Palliative Care Residence.
At the same time, there will be another breakfast at McKibbin's in Vaudreuil (3036 Boulevard de la Gare, Vaudreuil-Dorion) with proceeds going to. There will be Irish entertainment at both events and members of the SIS will be there as well.
A little later, from 11 am to 3 pm, Jim Beauchamp and his Cunningham's Pub staff in Ste-Anne de Bellevue will be hosting an Irish Luncheon with proceeds going to the CMB Foundation which works with and supports adolescents dealing with cancer. As with the breakfasts, the Costello Irish Dancers will perform and there will be plenty of Irish fun for all.
Our big day will be Saturday, March 19th, in Hudson with a day-long Irish Festival with food and drink and family-oriented fun. The SIS will be holding a traditional Irish Walk at 1 pm (you can't keep us from marching, especially if there are pipes and drums). We will be led by the Black Watch Pipes and Drums, members and the Executive of the SIS will be joined by Montreal Irish Societies, the Mayor of Hudson, Chloe Hutchison, along with town councilors, and the Costello Irish Dancers. A 50 piece Navy Band will close out the walk.
So while it may not be a full-fledged parade, there will be plenty to see and hear. The Shriners will also be in attendance with clowns and, always a crowd favorite, their tiny Motor Patrol. Member establishments of the Hudson Hospitality Association will be decked out in green and keeping their doors wide open with specials throughout the day. There will also be face painters on hand for the young or the young at heart.
A special mention has to go to our friends at Hudson's Microbrewery, Cardinal Brewing. They will be hosting a variety of musical performances from Wednesday to Saturday of St-Patrick's week. Also, a big thank you goes to the folks at the Chateau du Lac, Alibi Lounge, Cameron Public House, and Embers Restaurant along with all the other establishments in town who will be making sure that all our visitors are well looked after.
Lastly, we would like to thank all of our collaborators who have supported and continue to support the SIS. We couldn’t do it without you: McKibbin’s Irish Pubs (Vaudreuil and West Island Locations) Costello School of Irish Dance Moosehead Brewery Jameson Distillers.
SOURCE: Soulanges Irish Society
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