State Sen. Nick Collins says he hopes this year's St. Patrick's Day Breakfast will bring some levity to a tense political moment, bringing together politicians from both sides of the aisle for a morning of good-hearted jokes and laughter.
Collins, who represents South Boston, will be hosting this year's breakfast, scheduled to start at 10 a.m. Sunday. This is the first year he is hosting the event and the first time it will be held at the Flynn Cruiseport in the Seaport District.
The annual event has a storied history in Boston. It began more than a century ago and celebrates the city's history as a hub for Irish immigrants. The venue aims to highlight South Boston's past and the immigrant experience there.
“We’re bringing people together and making everyone feel welcome,” Collins told WGBH News. “I think it’s going to be a great day.”
Collins said he is looking forward to celebrating South Boston's history and “sharing a meal through the Irish traditions of music, dancing and laughter.”
This year's breakfast holds special significance, he added, given the polarized political climate. In this context, it's important for the public to see politicians poking fun at each other and spending time together socially, he said.
“We’re all humans.” Collins said. “It’s a human moment for people who see elected officials as stiff suits making decisions from on high.”
The breakfast will be followed by the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade, scheduled to begin at 1 p.m.
