By Madison Butkus
Hometown Weekly Reporter
The 38th annual Friends of Saint Patrick (FOSP) Parade and luncheon took place this past Friday, March 15th. Residents gathered together around downtown Walpole to partake in some Saint Patrick’s Day festivities right before the holiday weekend.
The FOSP were founded in Walpole back in 1987 by a small group of local citizens who realized the value of capturing the spirit of goodwill and cheer that abounds each year on the feast of Ireland’s most famous saint. According to their website, “The organization is dedicated to promoting Irish heritage and culture while raising funds for charities in Massachusetts. We bring people together to celebrate the joy of St. Patrick’s Day and make a positive impact in our community. It was agreed that the most appropriate manner of celebrating this event would be an annual luncheon in mid March at which time all people who shared that spirit would be welcome to join together in food, drink, laughter and song. In the spirit of its patron, each year the organization acknowledges the outstanding contributions of individuals and has donated over $601,300 to charities including Friends of the Walpole Public Library, Project Face, Walpole Council on Aging, Walpole Food Pantry, Jimmy Fund, Walpole Scholarship Fund, The Walpole V.N.A., Walpole Lions, and more.”
This parade started right at 11 am on East Street and made its way down through Main Street. It featured live music and a wide variety of sponsors and Irish culture. Leading the way was a police escort by Walpole Police officers, followed by a horse drawn carriage. The FOSP held two different signs as they sported their best green apparel and were accompanied by a leprechaun mascot.
Right behind them were the Boston Police Gaelic Column of Pipes and Drums, the Boston Police Department’s bagpipe band. They played an array of Irish songs throughout the parade route and were further seen leading the way of the Boston Saint Patrick’s Day Parade on Sunday, March 17th.
Following this group were two white Trolley Cars and six absolutely stunning Corvette cars. Rounding out the end of the parade were the Southbridge Farm and Nursery mac truck, two Assured Collision trucks, and a Walpole Fire Department truck.
Those both watching the parade and walking in the parade were beaming with joy as it processed on. Little one’s faces lit up with smiles while hearing the bagpipes and seeing the big trucks go by.
Later on in the afternoon at their luncheon, the FOSP and Massachusetts State Representative John Rogers honored Barbara and Tony Lorusso as their 2024 Persons of the Year. Rogers went on to write, “Barbara and Tony, Walpole High School sweethearts, have given back to the seniors and children in our community through volunteer work and generous charitable contributions, most recently to the 1A field complex which bares their name. Congratulations, Barbara and Tony! And a Happy Saint Patrick’s Day weekend to all!”
It can be said with ease that this day for the FOSP was another major success and Walpole residents look forward to its return next year in March!
