The title of this blog post is appropriate as we approach the Third Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade in Freehold. This Sunday, March 16th, the states shortest St. Patrick's Day Parade will start at borough hall located at 51 West Main Street and head over to the Hall of Records located at 1 East Main Street.
What makes this parade different? Being that this tradition was started by the Freehold Borough Arts Council (FBAC), we place much emphasis on Irish culture and arts. The FBAC is in its fourth year. For the first two years of our existence we presented Freehold with Irish films. During the second year we presented an Irish film for children at the Center Players located on South Street. That was when the parade was born. The idea was to lead people to the film. We continue that tradition this year, leading the crowd to the Hall of Records where there will be a stage with Irish dance and music. People who wear green may participate in the living Shamrock. Many local groups will be participating and we do welcome community participation in this family friendly event. There are certain to be other fun surprises.
After the parade and entertainment, be sure to enjoy all that Freehold Borough has to offer. With local shops and restaurants, there will be plenty to do. Visit www.downtownfreehold.com for more info on the downtown. The local business group, Downtown Freehold, is also hosting Irish week, another tradition that has grown along with the parade.
The only source of direct funding, besides sponsors, for the FBAC's St. Patrick's Day Parade comes from the sale of tee shirts. Tee shirts may be purchased at "Especially for You Florist" located at 39 West Main Street, Freehold Borough. Tee shirts may also be purchased online and will be handed out on the day of the parade. (See contact info below).
Special thanks to Tony's Grill who purchased 10 of these tee shirts!
Please don't forget that after the parade day is over, the FBAC continues to Provide, Champion and Inspire for the arts in Freehold Borough and Western Monmouth County. We continue with our own programing as well as support many of the arts groups and artists in town.
For 2014 the FBAC has plans for an eight week Jazz and Blues Series, Harvest Fall Festival, cultural events, An Arts and Crafts Vendor show, social events, lectures and more. Oh, and one more thing - murals! Expect to see several very nice pieces of art popping up around town this year.
From other groups, there is plenty going on. Here is a sample of upping events.
The Arcadian Chorale will be here on Sunday March 23, 2014 at 4pm in St, Rose of Lima Church. The FBAC is proud to assist this excellent group with their annual concert in Freehold. Visit www.arcadianchorale.org for more information
The Freehold Art Society currently has 14 artists on display at Fidea's Art Gallery located at 12 Court Street. This group of diverse and talented artists will be on display there until March 29th. The FAS also has art work on display at the Freehold Public Library.
The Downtown Concert Series out of St. Peter's Church will have an excellent show to close out their fourth season, on May 10th. www.downtownconcertseries.org
The Freehold Borough Arts Council was formed in late 2010. We are a registered 501c(3) not for profit organization, dedicated to ALL of the Freehold Borough community as we support local arts in and around town. We rely on sponsors, membership dues, and donations to achieve all that we have in such a short time. We welcome people from all walks of life to join us.
Please visit and bookmark our web site found at www.freeholdborougharts.org to find out more about us. The events page will have updates on many great events throughout the year. Sponsor and membership information can also be found on the web site.
While visiting the web site, please sign up for our email newsletter that is sent out about twice a month. We never share your information with anyone and you may opt out of the newsletter at any time. We welcome submissions from member groups and individuals for the newsletter and web site.