New Dublin/ New London   

215 N Shawano St
New London, WI 54961
920-982-8500
www.newdublin.com/

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New London doesn't even sound vaguely Irish, but that hasn't stopped the local sons and daughters of Eire from taking the town as their own each March. New London was originally more Germanic in population than Irish, but in the late 19th century Irish immigrants passing through found the hardscrabble, verdant farmland reminiscent of their birthplace, and began to settle outside of town near Northport. The Irish-American community has become an integral part of this small town, creating a warmth of community hard to find in the big city. Each March leprechauns begin to work their wiles, enchanting the town for an entire week. On St. Paddy's Day highway signs magically change to ''New Dublin.'' On Tuesday Hooligan Day dictates that the very Irish corned beef and cabbage show up on just about every restaurant menu in town, then Wednesday learn Irish carols and songs (why are so many about drinking?) at St. Joseph's residence -- song sheets are provided. Thursday evening presents a cavalcade of Irish entertainment at New London, er, Dublin High School... but Friday is when the leprechauns really start to rock. Finnegan's Wake (''Finnegan'' obligingly shuffles off this mortal coil just in time for the revelries) shakes the rafters at Pup's 2 Irish Pub on Hwy. 54 and then parades through the streets of town, with ''guest of honor'' Finnegan toted along in a battered green hearse, with all the appropriate sobbing, tears, and endless toasts -- even a bereft ''Mrs. Finnegan'' and merriment. Saturday the town hosts the largest St. Patrick's Day Parade in Wisconsin... over a 100 bands, corps units, Irish Dance troupes, color guards, local beauty queens and even old Finnegan himself (well-waked by now) appear to celebrate the day. Note that New Dublin holds its St. Patrick's Day Parade one week later than Milwaukee -- that way both towns can enjoy and participate in both parades.