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03/09/2016 05:00 AM

It’s No Joke. Leave the Drinks at Home


Greater New Haven St. Patrick’s Day Parade Grand Marshal Colleen Hines with the Queen of the Parade Kaitlyn Cullagh of Wallingford, and Caitlin Shea Clark from Essex, who will be the 2016 honor attendant.

Sure, booze plays a central part in many jokes about the Irish and St. Patrick’s Day.

But the Greater New Haven St. Patrick’s Day Parade committee is serious about making their event family friendly. And the New Haven Police Department will be backing them up.

Here is a statement from the parade committee about public drinking of alcohol on the day of the parade along theparade route: “The New Haven Saint Patrick’s Day Parade is a rich, family-oriented, cultural tradition. The 2016 Parade Committee is committed to providing a safe and enjoyable event for both marchers and spectators. The Parade Committee is working with City of New Haven to assure our event is one we can all be proud of. The New Haven Police Department will again be enforcing all laws related to public drinking of alcohol. Please be aware that public drinking from open containers, disorderly behavior, and sale of alcoholic beverages other than in licensed establishments will be the focus of Police enforcement efforts as well as public safety. Citations of up to $99 will be issued for open container violations. Police will also be conducting DUI checks during and after the parade. Come and enjoy the parade, leave your coolers and alcoholic beverages at home.”

Here are some more facts about the Greater New Haven St. Patrick’s Day Parade, from the parade website at stpatricksdayparade.org/:

When is the parade?

Sunday, March 13, 2016, 1:30 p.m.

Where does the parade start?

Chapel Street at Sherman Avenue.

What is the parade Route?

The Parade begins on Chapel Street at Sherman Avenue, and continues on Chapel Street toward the Green. The route turns left onto Church Street, down to Grove Street, and ends on Orange Street.

How long is the parade?

Approximately 3 hours and 1.8 miles

What streets are closed?

The above-named parade route, as well as the Muster area (one block either side of Chapel Street between Sherman Avenue and Norton Street, and Chapel back to E.T. Grasso Boulevard) will be closed to non-parade traffic prior to and during the parade.

What time do the streets close?

Most are closed at 11 a.m. Church Street from Chapel to Grove Street is generally closed by 6 a.m.

What time do the streets re-open?

Generally right after the parade passes. Each street becomes open

Where is the best place to see the parade?

Anywhere along the parade route. New Haven offers many great locations.

How much does it cost?

It’s free to come see the largest spectator event in Connecticut.

What if I can’t make it?

If you can’t be on the streets of New Haven, you can also watch live on WCCT (Fox News CT) with a live broadcast starting at 2 p.m.

Who puts the Parade together?

A group called the Associated Irish Societies d.b.a. New Haven St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee. It consists of local men and women who volunteer their time and talents for this tradition.