The annual Sober St. Patrick's Day gathering is today, St. Patrick's Day, moving to a new venue for its 12th anniversary.
And it will be honoring former congressman Patrick J. Kennedy, who will be presented with the Pre-Parade Emerald Spirit Award
Kennedy, according to a release, will deliver remarks about the recent uptick in alcohol misuse in the U.S. and its collateral effects on American families, especially for growing numbers of young people.
"The focus then shifts to 5th Avenue for Sober St. Patrick’s Day’s second march in the historic parade before closing out the evening with its marquee, multi-faceted, alcohol-free festival that 'reclaims the day' with Irish music, dance, storytelling, and literature.
Added the release: "The Sober St. Patrick's Day Celebration begins March 17, at 11 a.m. in the undercroft of the Church of Our Saviour (Park Ave. and East 38th St.) for the Pre-Parade Emerald Spirit Award Reception which all are welcome to attend. The welcome also is extended to anyone who’d like to march in the parade under the Sober St. Patrick’s Day banner. The evening’s grand celebration of all things Irish runs from 5 p.m. to 7 p.m. More information and tickets are available at www.soberstpatricksday.org.
"The Sober St. Patrick's Day Emerald Spirit Award is presented annually to a career professional to honor extraordinary dedication and devotion to improving the lives of family members of alcoholics and addicts - the frequently overlooked demographic affected by this disease. Sober St. Patrick's Day Board of Directors could not have chosen a more deserving Emerald Spirit Award honoree than former U.S. Representative and founder of the Kennedy Forum, Patrick J. Kennedy."
Said Kennedy: “As an Irish American and recovering alcoholic, I’m thrilled to reclaim the spirit of St. Patrick’s Day with this alcohol-free event. Celebrating community, culture, and wellbeing is just what our country needs in this moment of mental health and addiction crisis.”
