With the energy of a freshman city councilor and the zest of a young Irish step-dancer who holds his heritage close to his heart, John Drew is bringing the first St. Patrick’s Day Parade to Methuen!
For the Lawrence native, who “reel-ed” his way through that city’s popular march his entire youth and as an adult helped run the parade there for 7 years, this event is both personal and a way to project large-scale positivity.
“I remember being in (the Lawrence St. Patrick’s Day Parade) as a kid, watching it and I loved it. I want that for my kids, and for all the kids in the city to have that,” he said. “We’ve seen a lot of bad publicity in (Methuen). People want to see something positive and good. (The parade) resonates with a lot of people.”
Not only are community members eager to watch the parade, but they’re excited to participate. As a result, expect something BIG!
“It’s probably going to be double the size of the Santa Parade, probably be about 2½ hours,” said Drew, who credits his dedicated parade committee for their behind-the-scenes work and outreach.
The route starts at Nicholson Stadium and ends at the Pelham Street Park ‘n’ Ride (Santa Parade route in reverse).
For dance, music and martial arts demonstrations, there will be spots along the route (like at the Tenney School’s main entrance, in front of City Hall/Tenney Gatehouse and where Methuen Square turns onto Lowell Street) plus a reviewing stand at the Central Fire Station where judges will keep their eyes peeled to bestow 10 awards (Best Float, Best Band, etc.) as well as the overall winner who best emits the Lucky Charms theme.
That entity will get their name engraved on a perpetual trophy “that will live at City Hall,” Drew said. “The winner gets a plaque and some bragging rights.”
In addition to multitudes of locals (Methuen High Marching Band, various youth sports teams, St. Alfio Society, Clean River Project, etc.), spectators can expect to see Clan McPherson, the North End Marching Band, NH Police Association Pipe & Drum, the Blues Brothers Band, and the Melha Shriners with their clowns and mini-vehicles, among others.
Of course, such entertainment comes with a cost. Parade organizers are grateful for more than $32,000 in grant money from the Castle Fund. Drew says they also raised “a good amount” at last month’s parade fund-raiser at The Irish Cottage attended by nearly 300 people. He says that money will cover this year’s parade and leave some “seed money” for 2027.
He estimates this year’s parade to cost between $50,000 and $60,000.
Drew admits jump-starting a parade and being a first-term at-large city councilor has been “a big learning curve.” He gives kudos to state Rep. Ryan Hamilton, At-large City Councilor Ryan DiZoglio, Rec Director Steve Angelo and committee members like Cathy Saba and Jennifer Kannan who’ve done a lot of the legwork.
And he’s committed to this parade not being one-and-done.
“This is not meant to be trying to take something from Lawrence – the interest wasn’t there anymore. With my Irish heritage, I want to see this continue,” he said. “There’s definitely a palate for it here. People are excited for it and I’m excited to help put it on.
“There’s seed money to work this next year and keep it rolling to make it a long-standing tradition. … I want this to be something the city wants … I want next year to be bigger and better, and for it to keep going.”
