Uncertainty is gripping the Renfrew County community of Douglas- sometimes known as the Irish Capital of Canada due to its renown St. Patrick’s Week Parade.
While the pandemic may have put a pause on this year’s celebrations, with the sale of the Douglas Tavern, anchor facility for the event, a potential pall hangs over the village.
CTV reports that Terry and Evelyn McHale, eager for retirement after 49 years in business, have sold the tavern and the new owners plan another commercial use for the property.
Closing date for the transaction is June 2nd, but due to the pandemic there’s worry they won’t be able to have one final St. Patrick’s Day celebration or even a farewell party.
The 2020 parade, slated for March 13th of last year, was cancelled at the last minute due to coronavirus concerns, meaning the 2019 function, held March 9th of that year, could have been the swan song for an attraction that even in its infancy, attracted revellers from far and wide.
