Metropolitan St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee’s 46th Annual Irish Dinner

Many bright, happy faces braved the rainy, cold weather to participate in St. Louis’ 46th annual Irish celebration, the Metropolitan St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee Irish Dinner, Friday, March 13, 2015. The formal evening of dinner and entertainment took place the night before the parade at the Hilton St. Louis at the Ballpark in downtown St. Louis.

The Irish Dinner kicked off with cocktails and shenanigans provided by Clowns Howiee and Shamrock. The reception music by Honkeytonk Stepchild, starring Casey & Minna, filled everyone with the requisite blarney .

Parade Committee Chairperson Tom Stewart warmly welcomed everyone before announcing the presentation of the Irish Flag to Minister of State Paudie Coffey and Parade Founder Joe McGlynn. Honorary Parade Marshal Charlie Brennan then shared some inspiring stories about a few Irish Americans that grew up in St. Louis along with a little bit of history about the parade. He then introduced Parade Founder Joe McGlynn, who regaled with a few jokes up his sleeve plus some warm-hearted tales about his years of involvement with the parade.

Minister of State Paudie Coffey took the stand to express his gratitude for the hospitality received from the city. He also appreciated the invitation to participate in the Metropolitan St. Patrick’s Day celebration. He then related Ireland’s past and present and the Irish culture’s lovely power to unite strangers and genuinely welcome them.

Shortly after Barefoot Wine representatives Rachel Crumb and Daniel McIntosh raised a toast, Father Finbatt offered a heartfelt blessing, with a dash of Irish humor. Guests then enjoyed a delicious repast and live music by The Darrells.

Following dinner, Irish eyes were smiling as guests danced until the wee hours before adjourning for the parade Saturday. Maureen McGlynn and Pat Brannon served as the evening co-chairs with Susan Powers and Mary Alice Robben.

The dinner and Saturday’s parade and run are managed by the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee. Membership in the Committee consists of an all-volunteer pool of St. Louisans from a broad spectrum of backgrounds. They possess the desire to enhance the environment in which they live and work by extending their resources of talent and financial support for the benefit of those in need within the St. Louis community. The Committee does not have any paid employees.