After a significant hiatus, the popular element of the annual South Boston St. Patrick's Day Parade is making a comeback.
Do you have the distinct qualities required to become the "Mayor of Southie"? If so, the St. Patrick's Day Parade organizers are looking for you.
The South Boston Allied War Veterans Council, who run the patriotic Irish celebration, are bringing back their "Mayor of Southie" contest.
The popular search involves a fund-raising competition that determines the ultimate winner.
“We really thought it would be a great idea if we brought that back,” Dave Falvey, commander of the council, said. “I think it’s just a really fun thing to have as part of the parade. We’re really excited about it, and I’m hoping it will be a big hit.”
Ours is a community run & funded parade. Mayor of Southie is an initiative to raise funds needed to ensure the parade can happen, & it’s a great way to build excitement for it.
— Dave Falvey (@Falvitus) November 16, 2018
According to the Boston Globe, the contest was on hiatus for at least a decade.
The contest officially opens on January 1st, and applications are currently being accepted online.
So, what does the contest entail?
All eligible entrants must live in the neighborhood of Southie. The contest involves competitors hosting campaign events around the area to raise as much money as possible.
#mayorofsouthie Honors include:
• A prominent spot in 2019 parade for Mayor & up to 5 supporters
• 'Mayor of Southie 2019' sash
• 2 free tix to & recognition @ the Evacuation Day Banquet
• Media attention & interviews from local media & parade social media
• A surprise gift https://t.co/2giV8DXZ3C
— Michael Igoe (@Michael_Igoe) November 17, 2018
Those who have raised less than $1,000 by February 1st are disqualified from the race - and remaining contestants have until March 11th to out-fundraise each other. Whoever has the most money to their name will ultimately be crowned "Mayor of Southie".
All fund-raised money goes to the council to help pay for the St. Patrick's Day Parade.
“You can raise money any way you want,” the rules state. “Host parties, functions, raffles, through fund-raising websites. Do whatever is original and exciting, however, do it legally.”
The victorious "Mayor" will be invited to march in the parade with five family members or friends and receive recognition at the Evacuation Day Banquet.
“We’re definitely committed to making sure they get their due,” Falvey teased.
The Boston Globe adds that the long-standing tradition had raised over $200,000 between 1996 and 2004 (when the Boston Claddagh Society were the organizers).
TV Exclusive: The leader of the LGBTQ veterans group @OUTVETS will now run the South Boston St. Patrick’s Day parade. Bryan Bishop tells @SueNBCBoston how this came about. https://t.co/OfVDhKNcEf pic.twitter.com/Az5rRg05fn
— necn (@NECN) July 12, 2018
While Falvey maintained that he’s not sure when or why the contest dropped off, he is excited to introduce it to a new generation of parade-goers and Southie residents.
Alongside Falvey, Bryan Bishop, the founder and chief executive of LGBTQ veterans group OUTVETS will serve as director of parade operations.
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