Parade Headliners Are Chosen Grand Marshal, Mayor Announced
By Ashley Bishop TELEGRAM & GAZETTE STAFF
WORCESTER-He spent 15 years behind the scenes, searching for potential performers, and making sure everything was in order leading up to that big day in March.
This year, however, Stephen P. Trainor will be at the forefront of the St. Patrick's Parade, leading the procession March 9 down Park Avenue as the 2008 grand marshal.
The announcement was made yesterday afternoon by Paul Foley, a former parade chairman, during a ceremony at O'Connor's Restaurant & Bar.
Mr. Trainor has spent the last nine years as chairman of the popular parade and credits the community for its continued success. This year marks the 26th year of the event, which last year drew more than 100,000 people.
"You know, it's just something that's fun and enjoyable for all involved," Mr. Trainor said. "I'm honored to be the marshal because I know how much this parade means to the people of Worcester, whether you're Irish or not. It's about tradition."
Mr. Trainor is Irish, and his Worcester roots run deep. He grew up in the Main South neighborhood, attended St. Peter's High School and then Worcester State College before beginning work for the city at Hope Cemetery.
"We always celebrated our Irish heritage in my family, so this is special," Mr. Trainor said.
The parade committee also announced its choice for mayor of the 2008 parade and, for the first time in the event's history, the seat will be held by an African-American.
Clarence Plant, who has been involved with the parade committee for five years, said his appointment as parade mayor will help the city "appreciate its diversity," even on a day dedicated to the celebration of one heritage.
"We'll have 275,000 people this year, I guarantee it," said Mr. Plant, who works at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. "Worcester has such a diverse population, and I think having someone who represents that as parade mayor will help bring more people out for the event. The parade is really about community and bringing people together."
This year's parade will kick off at noon March 9.
This year, however, Stephen P. Trainor will be at the forefront of the St. Patrick's Parade, leading the procession March 9 down Park Avenue as the 2008 grand marshal.
The announcement was made yesterday afternoon by Paul Foley, a former parade chairman, during a ceremony at O'Connor's Restaurant & Bar.
Mr. Trainor has spent the last nine years as chairman of the popular parade and credits the community for its continued success. This year marks the 26th year of the event, which last year drew more than 100,000 people.
"You know, it's just something that's fun and enjoyable for all involved," Mr. Trainor said. "I'm honored to be the marshal because I know how much this parade means to the people of Worcester, whether you're Irish or not. It's about tradition."
Mr. Trainor is Irish, and his Worcester roots run deep. He grew up in the Main South neighborhood, attended St. Peter's High School and then Worcester State College before beginning work for the city at Hope Cemetery.
"We always celebrated our Irish heritage in my family, so this is special," Mr. Trainor said.
The parade committee also announced its choice for mayor of the 2008 parade and, for the first time in the event's history, the seat will be held by an African-American.
Clarence Plant, who has been involved with the parade committee for five years, said his appointment as parade mayor will help the city "appreciate its diversity," even on a day dedicated to the celebration of one heritage.
"We'll have 275,000 people this year, I guarantee it," said Mr. Plant, who works at Worcester Polytechnic Institute. "Worcester has such a diverse population, and I think having someone who represents that as parade mayor will help bring more people out for the event. The parade is really about community and bringing people together."
This year's parade will kick off at noon March 9.