Worcester Businesses Get Ready for 43rd Annual St. Patrick’s Parade Expected to Draw Massive Crowds
Worcester is gearing up for one of its busiest weekends as the 43rd annual Worcester County St. Patrick’s Parade occurs tomorrow. Local businesses, especially Irish pubs and restaurants, are preparing for an influx of families and parade-goers, treating the event as a Super Bowl weekend for business.
“We’re usually really busy,” said catering and functions manager Keelia Harney. “A lot of families come in. I think the Worcester parade is a lot more family-oriented than the Boston parade. So we definitely get a lot more families and kids coming in, which is always so cute to see them in their little outfits.”
Peppercorn’s Grille and Tavern anticipates one of its busiest days of the year, along with Christmas and Mother’s Day, and will offer a special brunch with corned beef to accommodate families watching the parade.
Quinn’s Irish Pub, owned by previous mayor Tim Quinn, is expecting to get through 20 kegs of Guinness, with business already booming ahead of the occasion. Last year, Quinn’s served over 3,000 pounds of corned beef, attracting a dedicated crowd from Holden, Rutland, and beyond.
The Worcester County St. Patrick’s Parade kicks off at noon from the intersection of Park Avenue and Mill Street, featuring festive floats, marching bands, and community groups.
Wormtown Brewery is joining the celebration with a special float in collaboration with the Worcester Red Sox and is hosting a St. Patrick’s Day celebration Friday through Monday. On Monday, Wormtown’s taproom will be open from 3:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m., featuring a limited-release Irish Red Ale to mark the occasion.
Local restaurants expand beyond traditional Irish fare in honor of the celebration with seasonal menu items like corned beef tacos, empanadas, and ‘Shamrock Shake’ martinis. Worcester gears up for Irish pride and family fun at the annual parade this weekend. Businesses and residents are excited to continue traditions that make the parade a memorable event.