WATD Radio
By Lenny Rowe
The Boston Police Gaelic Column of Pipes and Drums were among more than 50 groups taking part in the parade, a little more than halfway to St. Patrick’s Day.
Five-year-old Mighty Quinn Waters, who is battling brain cancer, was the Grand Marshall of the Parade.
Weymouth Town Councilor-at-Large Fred Happel founded the event, and at the end of the procession, he was all smiles.
“The Mighty Quinn’s out here, 18 months ago, we weren’t sure where he would be physically. Thank God he’s able to come out here today,” said Happel. “Just to see all the smiling faces and the kids is just awesome. Very happy with the community of Weymouth and everybody that came out. I want to thank everybody that helped put this together, and I appreciate everything.”
The first parade and festival was held in March of 2019. On Sunday, hundreds of people lined Union Street, and a festival took place at Stella Tirrell Park with live bands, food trucks, and countless vendors.
After the Mighty Quinn completed the parade route, his mother Tara Waters, said the support was remarkable.
“They have Quinn’s back, and they have our family’s back. That’s pretty amazing. It’s an amazing thing,” said Waters. “Going through cancer can be so isolating, your time in the hospital and all of that. Once you see all the people behind you, it’s kind of hard to quit when you have such a big army behind you.”
Six-year-old Ryland Collins of Hanover was asked about her favorite part of the parade.
“The cars, and Santa,” said Collins.
Congressman Stephen Lynch marched in the inaugural parade, and was back on Sunday.
“I missed this, it’s good for the soul,” said Lynch.
“Weymouth has a long and strong Irish heritage. It’s the perfect location for this, and I think you’ve attracted people from all over the South Shore. It’s great to see, I’m really happy to be here.”
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