Green beer in September? You heard right! Bennington is getting a head start on St. Patrick’s Day this year, thanks to local legend T.J. Carmody. Get ready for a lively parade, Irish tunes, and all the festive fun. Will you be donning your green early this year?
Bennington, Vermont, is abuzz with anticipation as a cherished local tradition prepares for an unexpected early revival. T.J. Carmody, a figure well-known for his contributions to the area’s vibrant social scene, is orchestrating the return of the “Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day Parade.” This festive event, slated for September 13th, promises to infuse downtown Bennington with the spirit of Irish celebration well ahead of its usual March calendar slot, marking a significant cultural moment for the community.
The upcoming parade will transform Main Street into a hub of activity, with plans to close the thoroughfare from Safford to Depot streets, ensuring a safe and engaging experience for all attendees. Carmody has secured the necessary permissions from the Bennington Select Board, paving the way for a grand event. Attendees can look forward to lively music, the spectacle of a traditional parade, generous servings of corned beef, and, of course, the ever-popular green beer, all designed to encapsulate the essence of a genuine St. Patrick’s Day celebration.
Carmody’s deep-rooted connection to St. Patrick’s Day festivities spans decades and regions. His pioneering efforts began approximately 35 years ago in Hoosick Falls, New York, where he initiated a St. Patrick’s Day parade that continues to thrive under new leadership. He also played a pivotal role in establishing parades in North Bennington during the late 1990s, when he co-owned what is now a local landmark, Kevin’s Sports Pub & Restaurant. This extensive history underscores his commitment to fostering community celebrations.
The unique concept of a “Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day” event holds a personal significance for Carmody. He realized that his birthday, September 17th, coincided precisely with the halfway mark to the beloved Irish holiday. This discovery led him to inaugurate “halfway parties” at various establishments he owned, including a prominent Irish bar in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. This personal touch has since become a distinctive hallmark of his celebratory endeavors, blending personal milestones with cherished cultural traditions.
After promoting his book during a visit last summer, Carmody returned to the Bennington area in late May this year. Currently residing in Rutland, where his son and three granddaughters live, and working as a bartender at the Dorset Inn, his upcoming 70th birthday prompted the inspiration to revive the Halfway to St. Patrick’s Day parade. The decision was further influenced by the observation that Bennington’s traditional St. Patrick’s Day parade had regrettably ceased, presenting an opportune moment for a revitalized community celebration.
Carmody envisions this revived event as more than just a parade; he plans for it to evolve into a full-fledged Irish festival. He hopes to eventually relocate the event to a larger space, potentially near the Bennington Station on Depot Street, allowing for greater expansion and diverse programming. This long-term vision demonstrates his dedication to creating a lasting cultural fixture that will continue to enrich the town for years to come.
Looking ahead, Carmody, who plans to be a “snowbird” over the next few years, aims to personally lead these Bennington events—whether parades or festivals—right up to his 75th birthday. His ultimate hope is that the town or the Better Bennington Corporation will subsequently take over the reins, ensuring the longevity of this burgeoning tradition. This forward-thinking approach aims to establish a sustainable annual event for downtown Bennington.
While acknowledging that the Bennington parade might not rival the scale of larger regional events like “Garlic Town,” Carmody firmly believes it offers a substantial opportunity for Bennington Vermont. He foresees the festival attracting visitors from neighboring states like Albany and Massachusetts, tapping into the vibrant Irish diaspora who are always seeking engaging activities. This initiative promises to be a powerful draw, bolstering local tourism and community spirit.
