With Senator Jack Hart’s departure from the legislature, after 11 years of exemplary service to the people of South Boston and beyond, City Councilor Bill Linehan will be taking over as host of the annual Saint Patrick’s Day Breakfast.

The annual Breakfast is attended by hundreds and watched live by tens of thousands. In true South Boston style, politicians from all over the state converge to poke a little fun at the political issues of the day, as well as themselves and each other. Former Senate President, and legendary host of the Breakfast, Bill Bulger said during an interview with NECN that the Breakfast is “a great opportunity to get together and step aside from whatever the contentious items (of the day) are.”

During this year’s Breakfast Councilor Linehan will take a special moment to recognize his dear friend Senator Jack Hart for his contribution to the Breakfast over the past eleven years. Political figures including Governor Deval Patrick, Mayor Thomas Menino, Senator Elizabeth Warren, Senator William “Mo” Cowan,Congressman Stephen Lynch, Senate President Therese Murray & House Speaker Robert Deleo as well as many other state and local elected officials have been invited to this year’s Breakfast.

Councilor Linehan added,“It would be an honor to share fun, laughter, political banter and song with you as the host. I look forward to the opportunity to put a little Linehan stamp on the Breakfast this year. I invite all to watch and share in this great Boston tradition.”

The Breakfast will be broadcast live on New England Cable News (NECN) starting at 10am on Sunday March 17th.

St Patrick’s Day Parade

Over half a million people converge on South Boston every year for the annual St Patrick’s Day parade. This Sunday, parade-goers will continue the tradition in what is considered the second biggest parade in the US.

Several marching bands, performers and colorful floats will take part in the festivities which begin at 1pm. Starting at Broadway T station, the parade will move through West & East Broadway, East 4th and 5th street, Thomas Square and Dorchester Street before finishing at Andrew Square.