By Paddy McCarthy
I took a trip down to Nashville last weekend as it was our Christmas present from my daughter Christina. Now how about that? Boy, was I ready to go on this trip as it was on my bucket list and it was not disappointing either as it was just fabulous. I know this is what the rich and famous do and now the poor people can do now as well, ha, ha.
I said to myself, “Honey I’m home,” as every couple of steps we took there was a bar and restaurant with live music playing all day and night. That was right up my alley so yes, we did check out as many of them that we could. I was blown away with all the talent as one was better than the other, now I’m not saying any of them were bad, it was just all the different styles from Country to Blues and Rock, it had everything you ever wanted.
This is where all the big Country stars started, right down in Nashville, Tennessee and I was there. The biggest thrill I got was going to the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum to see my idol the late great Elvis Presley who was honored there with his 1960 Cadillac, his stage jackets, gold discs, guitars and clothing. Everyone who is anyone in the Country music scene was honored even the great Taylor Swift who has her own huge showcase with all her gold discs and some of her stage clothing on display.
I could not find one thing wrong with Nashville as all the food and drink was top of the line and prices were not too bad either, yes, I would go again because it’s a real fun place and I do recommend it.
My friends at the New York City Knights of St. Patrick donated over $70,000 to be distributed to various Irish cultural organizations and in support of multiple St. Patrick’s Day Parades in communities across the New York Region, at the philanthropic organization’s holiday gathering in Midtown Manhattan. The announcements were made in the presence of the Consul General of Ireland in New York, Helena Nolan. Community parade committees that will be receiving donations include Brooklyn, Queens (Rockaway), Bay Ridge, Yonkers, Mineola, Pearl River, and New York City. The Knights also announced a donation of $5,000 to St. Patrick’s Cathedral to help underwrite the cost of hosting the St Patrick’s Day celebration commemorated by Cardinal Timothy Dolan.
Since its founding in 1988, the New York City Knights of St. Patrick have donated over $1.9 million to the great New York City Saint Patrick’s Day Parade and organizations including Solace House, Emerald Isle Immigration Center, the Irish Arts Center, the New York Irish Center, St. Patrick’s Cathedral, and multiple St. Patrick’s Day parades across the region.
“These community parades may be smaller than the great march up Fifth Avenue, but they are no less deserving of the financial support that the Knights of St. Patrick are eager and happy to provide. They serve their communities and keep the Irish American spirit and heritage alive through St. Patrick’s Day parade celebrations taking place throughout the month of March,” said John Tully, Chairman of the New York City Knights of St. Patrick.
The annual parade up Fifth Avenue is a celebration of the Irish in New York, dating back to 1762, fourteen years before the signing of the Declaration of Independence. This year the parade will take place on Saturday, March 16. Maggie Timoney will serve as Grand Marshall.
Here we have a very good event that should also be supported: This Thursday, January 18, a fundraiser for St. Pat’s for All will be held at the New York Irish Center. This year marks the 25th Anniversary of the St. Pat’s for All Parade in Sunnyside and Woodside in Queens. Come out to support their efforts and enjoy their featured guests that include singer Shailah Edmonds, comedian Katie Boyle, and dancer Niall O’Leary. The party starts at 6 pm and the NY Irish Center is located at 1040 Jackson Avenue in Queens.
Treasa Goodwin-Smyth been selected as Aide At Large to Grand Marshal Maggie Timoney. Treasa is so delighted to share that she has been selected as the Aide At Large to the Grand Marshal in this year’s New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade. “I am truly humbled and honored,” she said. “Never imagined this but thrilled to be recognized.”
She also told me that she is thrilled to be wearing two hats on the day one of TV broadcaster and the other as Aide At Large, now that’s history in the making. Congratulations Treasa, the honor is well deserved.
The Installation Reception for the Grand Marshal and Aides of the New York City St Patrick’s Day Parade will be held in Antun’s (43 Springfield Boulevard in Queens Village) on Sunday February 25th at 3 pm. Don’t forget to book your tickets as it is going to be a huge sellout.
This is the only event on the Parade calendar that offers an opportunity to honor both the Aides to the Grand Marshal and the Grand Marshal, Maggie Timoney for the historic 263rd NYC St Patrick’s Day Parade. They’re looking forward to an afternoon that will include a buffet dinner, an open bar, and music by Gerry Finlay and the Cara Band. To commemorate this occasion, they will publish a souvenir journal in print and virtual format on their website. This will provide an opportunity for you to demonstrate your support for the 2024 Aides and the Grand Marshal. Information related the event is available on their website at NYCStPatricksParade.Org. You will also be able to reserve tables and submit Journal ads online. The deadline for Journal ads is Tuesday, February 10.
Hope to see you all again next week when I am Out&About again.