March 17, 2014 at 4:54 p.m.
Hodags and leprechauns: Rhinelander gets Irish for the weekend
Hodags and leprechauns: Rhinelander gets Irish for the weekend
The festivities began in downtown Rhinelander Saturday with the third annual parade and pub crawl.
The air was chilly and the wind occasionally biting, but that didn't stop the Rhinelander revelers from crowding along Brown Street to watch the floats and other parade spectacles before hitting the participating pub crawl establishments for discounted food and drink and a good time for all.
The brain child of Jack Winkler and a couple of his buddies, the parade is quickly becoming a must-see event in downtown Rhinelander, something Downtown Rhinelander, Inc. executive director Maggie Steffen said is a wonderful sight to behold.
"This parade, it's something that we didn't know we needed, but we need it. It's that time of the year where everyone is hungry for spring and they're hungry to do something and this gives them a good reason to get out and enjoy - and I say springtime lightly - but enjoy the springtime and get the kickoff to spring," Steffen said.
Usually, for an event such as this, there is heavy DRI or chamber involvement. While DRI does assist with the parade, it's Winkler and his crew who handle all the heavy lifting, which Steffen said makes the parade that much more special.
"It truly is a community-driven event. It's a great example of how much the community wants to be involved and support each other and, of course, then it helps downtown Rhinelander," Steffen said.
"That group of guys, those Irish folks that put this together three years ago and continue to put their heart and soul into it are truly champions in my mind for the Rhinelander community. I applaud them and I thank them."
The parade crew is a perfect example of how a small group of community members can make a big, positive impact on the city, Steffen said, adding that she hopes others will take cue and help create other events.
"I hope there's a lot more people out there where if they have any ideas like this, come on and let us know. We're more than open to trying out new stuff," Steffen said.
Any of that new stuff would have a tough time reaching the heights of the parade and pub crawl, however, as onlookers were quick to praise the event.
"I'm so glad we have a St. Patty's parade. It's something I've always thought we've been missing," Judy Barthlow said.
"We need something like this, as we're getting sick of winter and need stuff to do. Sure it's a bit cold, but we're out here with our blankets and our hot chocolate and we're having a great time."
Others were quick to echo Barthlow's comments.
"I think it's great. I've always loved a parade and now my kids are falling in love with them, too. I mean, how could they not? They get candy thrown at them," Sarah Thomas said.
"But, really, I think it's a great time. I'm glad this got started up. It's perfect for this time of year. We need something, anything to get us to spring from winter and I think this perfectly fills that void."
Even the kids were happy.
"It's cold out but I got a bunch of candy and a balloon. Plus, I really like wearing green. It's my favorite color," 5-year-old Jimmy Simpson said.
Marcus Nesemann may be reached at [email protected].
Comments:
You must login to comment.