Silvio O. Conte

“ Patrick's Day parade with my Irish friends. What has impressed me most about the parade is the enthusiasm it generates among all of the residents of Holyoke—those of all ethnic backgrounds and of all ages. It is not only a community festival, and a superb one, but its renown has spread so that the spirit of the parade encompasses the entire western Massachusetts area. ”

“ Today, a committee of some 150 citizens coordinate the endeavor, whose activities have grown from a single parade to a series of events, including a colleen contest, a coronation ball, a songfest, a benefit to assist a parade committee scholarship drive, and receptions to honor award winners. ”