Parade History:
In November 1982, at the request of then-Mayor Leonard Paoletta, City Clerk Catherine Brannelly gathered a small group of people representing the local Irish community to discuss an idea that became reality on March 17, 1983-the First Annual Greater Bridgeport St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
The original parade was small by comparison to later efforts; but nonetheless a proud display of Irish spirit, led by our first Grand Marshal, Martin Reidy, a respected member of the Irish-American community of Greater Bridgeport and a charter member of the Gaelic-American Club and the Ancient Order of Hibernians of Bridgeport.
Following the brief walk up Main Street, a tri-color flag raising ceremony took place at Baldwin Plaza, behind the Superior Court House. A luncheon reception was held in Bridgeport City Hall, with City Clerk Brannelly, Mayor Paoletta and other city officials, community leaders and members in attendance.
