St. Patrick’s Committee of Holyoke Announces Battle of the Bars Winner

HOLYOKE — On Feb. 28, the St. Patrick’s Committee of Holyoke held the fifth annual Battle of the Bars bartending event at the Holyoke Knight of Columbus Council 90 to raise funds for the committee. Bartenders from six local bars competed for tips to determine a winner.

Facing off in teams of two, round one was taken by Donovan’s Irish Pub, represented by Trista Kasperowski, raising $5,997, against Pic’s Pub & Pizzeria, represented by Matt Dulude, who raised $1,639. Round two was captured by JP’s Restaurant, represented by Mary Kate Glasheen, with $9,416, against Halfway House Lounge, represented by Colleen Flanagan, who raised $7,639. Round three was taken by Griffin’s Cafe, represented by Ashleigh McNulty, raising $1,122, against Francie’s Tavern, represented by Chy Clemens, who raised $779.

In the end, JP’s Restaurant came out on top with $9,416 raised, and the entire night’s fundraiser brought in more than $26,500, a record total for the event.

A trophy celebration will be held at JP’s in the near future. All money raised goes toward the St. Patrick’s Committee of Holyoke’s Marching Forward fundraising campaign to present the 2025 St. Patrick’s Day Parade weekend and to preserve the St. Patrick’s Day Parade and Road Race tradition for generations to come.

The 48th Holyoke St. Patrick’s Road Race will take place on Saturday, March 22, and the 72nd Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade will be held on Sunday, March 23. For more information, visit www.holyokestpatricksparade.com.