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Date: 2/28/2023
HOLYOKE — The most exciting time of year for the city of Holyoke continues to approach – St. Patrick’s Parade season – and in effort to raise money for the annual tradition the public is invited to Marshal Mania: A Fundraiser for the St. Patrick’s Parade Committee.
The fundraising kickoff party for the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day Parade season will be on March 3 from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. at Gateway City Arts at 92 Race St. in Holyoke. The public is invited to join the community for an evening of fun as they raise funds for the beloved parade.
Tickets are $20 and doors open at 6:30 p.m. The show begins at 8 p.m. and will feature Holyoke native Ed Jackowski as opener before a main performance by Unforgettable Fire, a premiere U2 tribute band. The event will also feature raffles, food catered by Bub’s Barb-B-Q and a cash bar.
St. Patrick’s Day Committee member Jeff Walsh said the Marshal Mania is always a great night of fun, fundraising and rock and roll.
Walsh explained the creation of Marshal Mania came a few years back as the committee was looking for something different compared to the more traditional routes of St. Patrick’s fundraisers, but still wanting that Irish hook to it. The idea of a rock concert fundraiser came and was born.
“It sells out every year. This band, Unforgettable Fire, they do U2 like nobody else,” Walsh said. “It’s a very popular event.”
Walsh added Unforgettable Fire has been a part of this fundraiser most years and called them “phenomenal.” He also noted an event like this easily coexists with the other fundraisers going on this time of year as it offers a change of pace to the festivities.
There is no specific fundraising goal according to Walsh as the fundraiser itself is just a piece of the engine that runs the parade each year. Walsh made note to thank Gateway City Arts for their help and being able to host the fundraiser as it was a late change of venue.
There will raffles and a cash bar available at the fundraiser. For tickets you can contact Jeff Walsh at JeffWalsh27@gmail.com or at 530-3944.
Walsh said he looks forward to a great night in the community and hopes those interested can make it out to help celebrate and raise money for the upcoming St. Patrick’s celebrations.