HAMDEN, Conn. (WTNH) — It started off with a parade of golf carts as players headed out Monday for a shotgun start to the 2024 Shamrock Open. It was an impressive sight with all the people out playing on a beautiful, if breezy, day. The tournament is a fundraiser for the Greater New Haven St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
“The parade is the largest single-day spectator event. It’s a free event in Connecticut, and this is a great opportunity to build memories and have families come out and enjoy the day and see the various different marching units that we have on parade day,” said Cathleen Steinau Buckheit, the 2024 parade chair.
In fact, the parade is so big that planning and fundraising have to happen year-round.
“Coming into summertime, people are thinking it’s time to take time off from the St. Patrick’s Day Parade,” explained Michael Depascale, the event chair of the Shamrock Open. “But, for us, it’s a year-round event. we love the parade, so we’re out here doing our thing.”
That thing includes dozens of golfers hitting the links and raising funds at Hamden’s Laurel View Country Club.
“New Haven’s my hometown,” said Greg Radawic, the director of brewing operations for the New England Brewing Company, before he teed off. “We always love to be a part of the parade. I grew up with it, it’s always a fun day. We’re always excited to be a sponsor.”
News8 is also a sponsor. So are the Knights of Columbus, which began largely to help Irish families.
“Our founder, Blessed Michael McGiveny, in St. Mary’s Church in 1882, was largely Irish immigrant families,” said Bob Ennis, Vice President of the Knights of Columbus. “So, we’ve got a particular affinity for the Irish community and we like to help out wherever we can with this event.”
The fun does not end when the golf does. Once they’re done on the course, they head over to a fundraising dinner at Anthony’s Ocean View.
The 2025 Greater New Haven St. Patrick’s Day Parade is on March 16.
