There’s a wee chill in the air today, just enough to remind us that it’s time for the wearin’ of the green – and we are so ready!
Tomorrow, Tuesday March 17th, The Corner Pub in downtown Conroe will be awash in green. The beer will be ice cold, the whiskey will be ready to pour. The corn beef and cabbage will be simmering in the crock pot, and the buffet table will be filled with yummy dishes. The band will arrive early for set up and sound check, and then at 4:30, the magic will begin as the bagpiper takes his place outside the pub. The dress will be fun and festive. There will be green beads everywhere, a gift from club member Daniel Myers. Ah yes, it is St Patrick’s Day in Conroe once again.
It’s year 28 for the gathering that began as 3 friends celebrating their heritage. Come one, come all as The 5 O’Clock Phlock Parrot Head Club partners with the late Mike McDougal’s Family and The Corner Pub to once again put on the finest St Paddy’s Day celebration in town. It’s a sentimental journey with the reading of the Irish Proclamation, the crowning of The Lord and Lady of 2026, a stroll around the square for those who wish to join in, followed by several hours of great music by The 5OCP Throw Down Jamm Band. There is a table of food for all to share. New socks are brought to donated to Yes to Youth/Montgomery County Youth Services. It’s a joyful day.
This year’s gathering will include a special tribute to long time Club Treasurer Bill Rathbun, who passed away March 4th after a valiant 7-month battle with an aggressive cancer. Although his passing was sudden – we truly thought we had more time with him – he died peacefully at home with his beloved wife Christina holding his hand. These two were inseparable and were such a generous and loving couple. Our hearts are broken, but we will celebrate Bill’s life with a special toast and a Parrot Head style 2nd line as longtime Rathbun friend Johnny Maisel plays “When The Saints Go Marching In” on keyboard, accompanied by the band as the crowd sings along. Bill will be smiling from heaven; we are just sure of it. For those who know Bill and wish to honor him, donations may be made to Memory Park for a future memorial in the park that he and Christina have supported through their many years as Lake Conroe Rotarians.
Parrot Heads are a bit insane and yet responsible – that is a powerful combination. And so we remind everyone to drink responsibility, have a designated driver or a ride share service. We want to keep the party going with you year after year.
Kris is President of The 5 O’Clock Phlock Parrot Head Club, the PHC of the Lake Conroe/Woodlands area. Email KrisCommService@gmail.com or text 713 825-0141. Follow the club on Facebook at www.facebook.com/5OClockPhlock. For more info, visit the website www.5oclockphlock.com.