BONDVILLE- What comes to the minds of the people in Bondville when they think about the month of March? Lions, lambs, basketball, the U.S. Open, and of course, Bondville’s annual St. Patrick’s Day parade!

In 1974, three proud Irishmenwere running the Red Fox Inn. Transplants from New York City, they could not bear not marching somewhere on March 17. So, off they went, weaving their way through the few watering holes in Bondville, waving the Irish flag. A tradition was born. Since then, there have been 33 parades of every shape, size, and weather element. Just for a second, think of trying to organize a parade in the mountains of Vermont in the middle of March. There was even a protest march in lieu of one parade when the town thought the U.S. Open traffic would cause too much of a snarl.

Over the years, the parade has evolved into an authentic hometown community event. It brings out every Irishman this side of the Connecticut River with a chance to strut their proud Irish spirit. It also brings out those who want to be Irish for a day and celebrate being a part of this truly unique community. It has become a rite of passage into spring for the area.

The parade features free green shamrock balloons and more candy thrown from the floats than any Halloween could offer.

It is a chance for local businesses to get creative with floats. Over the years, there have been bathtubs and go-carts, snakes and bears, horses and llamas, and even some Irish wolfhounds. Batman in his bat mobile once made his way down Route 30 St. Patrick himself has even made many an appearance.

Float judges are made up of former Grand Marshals, all celebrities in their own right.

Music is a huge focus for the parade. This year the parade has contracted the American Legion Marching Band once again. The band has won many awards in competition. They will not only be playing while marching, but will continue with their grand finale at the Red Fox Inn parking lot as everyone arrives.

The parade ends at the Red Fox Inn, where there is always plenty of corned beef and cabbage, Irish soda bread, and lots of Irish music into the wee hours.

The Bondville St. Patrick’s Day Parade is the largest and oldest St. Patrick’s Day Parade in the state.

This year the parade will be held on Sunday, March 15, at 2 pm, on Route 30.

To register or participate or for more information contact Tom or Cindy Logan at (802) 297-2488 or visit www.redfoxinn.com.