March 17, 2008 — Carrying on an 11-year tradition Monday, owners and staff from Molly Malone's Irish Pub treated about 100 locals and visitors to an all-day St. Patrick's Day fest on St. Thomas, topped off with authentic music, food and a short parade.
There was no age limit for parade participants, who ranged from the very young to the young at heart. Dressed in everything from green wigs to green crocs, the crowd wound its way around the Red Hook marina led by Molly Malone's Shay and Mike Brittingham and local icon Feliciano "Foxy" Callwood. The three carried an Irish flag and were accompanied by live music from Cletus McBride and Company, a band of musicians from St. Thomas, St. Croix and Philadelphia.
McBride, a former newspaper reporter, first entertained guests at the Brittingham's restaurant in Philadelphia.
"We had a successful 30-year run there, before owners Frank and Nancy Brittingham set their sights on the Virgin Islands," McBride said Monday. McBride came along as well, and has made St. Thomas his home six months out of the year, playing live music for Molly Malone's patrons in the evenings. Visiting musicians, such as those filling the restaurant Monday, are incorporated into McBride's company, adding such elements as Irish jig dancers and mandolin players to his act.
Monday's parade also included a bagpiper, Brian Murray, another Philadelphian.
Waving his hand over the room, busy with celebrations, McBride said Molly Malone's "exists to further and enhance Irish culture in the territory."
"That includes plenty of music and dance, as well as good company, good food and good grog," he said.
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