Community Bonds Tighten from St. Patrick’s Day Parade Tradition

The Harp and Shamrock Society of Gaithersburg successfully brought their community together for an energized, uplifting celebration during their annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. All participants featured in the parade are actively involved in community enrichment through their volunteer work and social activities. These locals were recognized for their dedication during Saturday’s festivities by a cheering and enthusiastic crowd comprised of their fellow community members. 

Parade Entertainers Recognized for Aiding their Community 

The Gaithersburg High School Key Club had the honor of holding the parade banner and kicking things off this year. Established in 2010, the club includes teen activists who clocked over 4,000 hours of community service last year. In March, they raised $2,000 for Pennies for Patients, a fundraising campaign sponsored by the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society. Another participating group, the Ring of Kerry Irish Dancers, have been teaching traditional Irish step dancing for twenty years to ages eight through eighty. They meet weekly and help bridge the generational gap in their community by carrying out their mission statement: have fun, learn to dance, and preserve the Irish heritage.

The Kapitol Klowns also use an art form to help bring community members together and have been performing in the DC Metro area for forty-four years. The Klowns meet monthly to promote the art of clowning, participate in regional events and donate to local charities, such as the Children’s Inn at NIH. Diane "Toodles" Jones says it’s vital for her to participate in events like the St. Patrick’s Day parade because she feels a strong need to give back to her community. 

listen to ‘Diane speaks about the importance of giving back to her community’ on Audioboo

Heritage Society Strives to Keep Locals Connected with Annual Parade 

For thirteen years the Harp and Shamrock Society of Gaithersburg organizes the St. Patrick’s Day parade in an effort to cultivate a cohesive community and to preserve Irish culture. Local Louise Carr has been a member of the society since its inception and notes the importance of community members coming together not only to celebrate the holiday but each other as well. The local children also play a pivotal role in the parade and Louise comments on the value of these kids showcasing their talents for their fellow friends and neighbors. 

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Local Kids Play a Huge Role in Parade Festivities and their Community

Local children including Scouts troops, Hurley step dancers and Karate Kicks kids were featured and celebrated for their talents and work in the community. The Harp and Shamrock Society encourages children and teens to join the parade to help promote and advocate their participation in extracurricular activities. And in turn, these kids inspire their peers attending the parade to find their own talent and avenues of supporting the community. Gaithersburg mother Nicole is a first time attendee and explains she will become a recurring visitor because of the wonderful performances geared towards children of all ages. 

listen to ‘Nicole's daughter enjoys the Bolivian dancers and the array of entertainment’ on Audioboo

The St. Patrick’s Day parade brings a strong sense of fellowship to the participants and attendees. There is an Irish proverb that says, “The greatest sweetener of human life is friendship.” It seems this tradition is the local’s way of ensuring these ideals remain alive and well in their community.