Shamrock celebration at St. Mary's

LONGMEADOW, Mass. (WWLP) - St. Mary's Parish in Longmeadow continued a tradition on Sunday, one that happily required the wearing of the green.

Parishioners held their annual Shamrock celebration on the Sunday before the Holyoke St. Patrick's parade. The parade this year will fall on St. Patrick's Day.

Parishioners gave their Shamrock celebration rave reviews.

Kara Svendesen of Longmeadow said in regards to the celebration "...It's been a great thing for our family of Irish step dancing. My daughter is only one year old but fascinated by watching it. Corned beef sandwiches, the food is great, get your face painted. It's a great event for everyone to come to"

Next Sunday's Holyoke St. Patrick's parade is so much a part of the culture of Western Massachusetts, that many church and fraternal groups approach the parade weekend with events of their own.