Come salute Dinny Sullivan on Saturday, March 17 with a “Hats Off” to neighborhood businesses throughout the City of Auburn!

Dennis J. “Dinny” Sullivan was born in 1873 at Schull, Co. Cork, Ireland, and immigrated to Auburn with his parents, Jeremiah and Margaret Sullivan. The family lived on First Street in New Auburn and, like many Irishmen of his time, Dinny worked in the Lewiston bleachery and on the railroad.

But Dinny inspired to more. In 1919 he purchased a lot and with his wife, Nellie, operated a small neighborhood grocery store. Immigrants themselves, the apartment at the rear of the store often served as home for recent Irish immigrants, as they became oriented to American life and made their starts.

“Salute to Dinny Sullivan: Hat’s off to Neighborhood Businesses” day is dedicated too the unselfish hospitality of Dinny and Nellie Sullivan and their humble contribution to construction of this city in America—an example for all generations to emulate.

Just as Dinny exemplified hard work, long hours and commitment to the local community, organizers want residents to tip their hats to neighborhood businesses that are essential to the fabric of life in Auburn.

Neighborhood business owners are our friends and neighbors. Often, they work daily in the business and yet find time to support many community activities and events. Let’s use this holiday to “toast” them one and all.

Organizers want to recognize small, neighborhood businesses, corner stores, barber shops or salons, mechanics, coffee shops, local restaurants, saw sharpeners, music stores, florists, pawnshops, etc.

How to recognize a neighborhood business: Place a sign in the window that gives the history, owners and staff names, as well as interesting facts. The sign will have St. Patrick’s Day colors and say, “Hats Off To You!” Organizers want people to stop in and say, “Happy to have you here!”

Events and informal gathering places for neighbors to meet, share and laugh, and celebrate will be available on Saturday, March 17.

All day. Revelation Massage will celebrate by raising money for The Good Shepherd Food Bank. Stop in and make a $1 donation, and Revelations will match each donation with another fresh green dollar bill!

8 to 11 a.m. Center Street Café, special breakfast menu.

9:30 to 10 a.m. Story time at the Auburn Public Library – Join local story lady, Judy D’Amour, program is best for children from 2 to 6 years. All are welcome.

Noon to 1 p.m. Historical walk of Auburn sites, with an emphasis on businesses. John Henderson, author of “Androscoggin Irish,” will be leading the group.

1 to 2:30 p.m. Rolly’s Diner. Delicious corned beef lunch. Copies of John Henderson’s book, “Androscoggin Irish,” will be available for signing and purchase.

1 to 3 p.m. Lake Auburn historical sites tour. Starts at Sticks & Stones, 115 N. Auburn Rd. Wear footwear suitable to the climate. For more information, email dan@auburnwatershed.org

2 to 3:30 p.m. Woman’s Literary Tour of the Foss Mansion on Elm Street. The Woman’s Literary Union will open this impressive home.

4 p.m. Hat’s off Toast to Neighborhood Businesses. Numerous places throughout the city, including the New Auburn Social Club, will raise a glass Auburn’s businesses. Public dinner to follow at the club.

4 to 6 p.m. Green Beer & Food at 84 Court Street Pizzeria.

7 p.m. Live Music at Gritty McDuffs. Kora Temple Highlander’s playing the bagpipes and drums!

There will be a “Hats” contest with a prize. In addition to the hat as an entry, participants will have to “Brag” about a neighborhood business.

“Wear Green to Save Green.” Some businesses are offering discounts for showing the spirit: for example, if you’re dressed all in green, get 5% off; speak in a merry Irish accent, get 5% off; and so on. Each retailer has different requirements for discounts, if any, on this celebratory day!

For complete details, see www.dinnysullivan.com.

For more information, contact Tizz Crowley, Auburn City Councilor Ward 1, at 783-1468 or tcrowley@auburnmaine.gov; Leroy Walker, Auburn City Councilor Ward 5, at 577-2694 or lwalker@auburnmaine.gov; or Roger Mackbach of Real Domains at 577-9070 or roger@mackbach.com.