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For Immediate Release: For further information please contact: 2017 Parade Chair: Jake Manke – 860-608-9668 or Miria Toth – 860-984-5523 THE NORWICH SAINT PATRICK PARADE COMMITTEE ANNOUNCES JOHN PAUL MEREEN AS GRAND MARSHAL OF THE 4TH ANNUAL NORWICH ST. PATRICK’S PARADE AND FESTIVAL St. Patrick’s Day Parade is on Sunday, March 5th at 1 p.m. (NORWICH, CT) The Norwich Saint Patrick’s Parade Committee is proud to announce that the founding partner of Maple Lane Spirits John Paul (JP) Mereen is the Grand Marshal for the 4th Annual Norwich Saint Patrick’s Parade and Festival on Sunday, March 5th beginning at 1 p.m. Maple Lane Spirits produces Foggy Harbor Brand Vodka and Spirits. Mereen is also the Principal at Gerwick Mereen, LLC. Donald W, Gerwick and John Paul Mereen created Gerwick Mereen LLC, creating a "one stop" shop to service residential, commercial and industrial clients in site development and permitting issues. JP who lives in Norwich also serves on the Norwich Golf Course Authority and was instrumental in starting the Greater Norwich Area Chamber’s Rock the Docks Concert Series at the Norwich Harbor. The Norwich Saint Patrick’s Parade Committee will be hosting a Grand Marshal Dinner to support both the Norwich Saint Patrick’s Parade AND the 4th of July Norwich Harbor Fireworks on February 13th at 6PM at the Harp and Dragon with a snow date of February 27th. Tickets are $35 per person and can be purchased at the Harp and Dragon, Billy Wilsons Ageing Still, These Guys Brewing, Foundry 66 or on the website NorwichParade.com. There are two additional changes to this year’s parade. Sponsorships which have generally gone to the parade fund will be split this year with the 4th of July Norwich Harbor Fireworks to ensure an amazing 4th of July celebration at the Harbor. This year the Parade Committee is hosting a golf tournament at the Norwich Golf Course on June 12th. Sponsorship proceeds will benefit both events. More information about the Golf Tournament can be found on the website NorwichParade.com. The other amazing addition to the Parade is the Rose City Shenanigans 5K Roadrace added to the beginning of the parade. The race will begin at Courthouse Square, following the parade route past the historic St. Patrick's Cathedral and back where finishers will complete the course among the spectators for the parade conveniently at the Street Festival where your spectators can cheer you on enjoying Irish fare and food truck festival. Prizes will be awarded for largest team, best costume, and best themed team. ***