45°
Bill and Evon Malloy are the grand marshals for the parade, which has become an institution in the city despite its early start in the world of St. Patrick's Day parades.
Bill Malloy said he was pleased that he and his wife were chosen to be the grand marshals.
"I believe it is a great honor to represent the Irish here in Stamford in the town that I grew up in," he said Wednesday. Malloy, a principal at Malloy Insurance in Stamford, is the brother of Gov. Dannel P. Malloy.
The Malloys are one of the many families of Irish descent who have made Stamford their home. The Malloys trace their roots back to Ireland, but Bill Malloy said they have been in Fairfield County for many generations, pointing out that a great-grandfather was born in Byram.
His wife, Evon, has some Irish ancestry in her background, but he noted that her father was an Acadian from Nova Scotia who had immigrated to the United States.
Malloy, his wife, two of their children and a daughter-in-law made a visit to Ireland two years ago, a trip that he fondly remembers.
"We absolutely loved it.," he said. "I hope to go back again. It was so beautiful and it is true that the Irish are so friendly."
The parade kicks off at noon, stepping off at Columbus Park and proceeding north up Atlantic and Bedford Streets and ending at Latham Park, across from the Avon Theatre.
The festivities will begin the evening before, as the Grand Marshal Dinner begins at 6:30 p.m. Friday at the Sheraton Stamford.
For information on the dinner and the parade, check the official website.
Click here to follow Daily Voice Stamford and receive free news updates.
