Team torch-bearers for the NFL's Patriots and Giants, and Grand Marshals of the 2012 Winter Carnival Parade: George Patterson, left, and Bill McDonough. Photo by Dana Armington
As droves of people begin to arrive in Indianapolis for Super Bowl XLVI, Old Forge will be attracting its own fan base this weekend for the annual Winter Carnival.
This year’s carnival carries a Super Bowl theme, and though most of the events are scheduled at McCauley Mountain, the weekend’s big kick-off will be a Super Bowl-style parade up Main Street at 6:45 p.m. on Friday.
In keeping with the “super” theme, it is only fitting that the parade be led by two of the area’s biggest, longtime fans of the opposing teams at this year’s bowl game: Giants fan Bill McDonough and Patriots fan George Patterson.
A crew of volunteers finalized the shape of this year's football-helmet-shaped Winter Carnival Castle
Like many in the area, Bill is looking forward to seeing his team compete again against a team some call a football dynasty.
“I can’t even remember a time in my life when I wasn’t a Giants fan,” McDonough said.
Likewise, Patterson can’t remember a time when he didn’t root for his team favorite. “My dad was from the Herkimer area, but I was raised in Boston. So even though he was a Giants fan, I was raised to root for my home team, which was the Patriots,” he said.
The finished product complete with Giant team colorings
Regardless of which team you favor, Super Bowl XLVI is sure to be exciting as the New York Giants and the New England Patriots face off for what many are describing as the ultimate grudge match.
And McDonough and Patterson aren’t afraid to weigh in on their team favorites.
“I think it will be a good game. I think Eli [Manning] will play well, but I also think [Tom] Brady will too. These are teams that know each other very well. If the Giants can keep Brady on the sidelines, and the Patriots can keep our defensive line off the field, well then it will be quite the game,” McDonough said.
“The Giants have a well rounded team, which is something they have to have because of the way the NFC is. The AFC is all about passing and the passing game, so sometimes our defense isn’t as great as it should be,” Patterson said of the match up.
This year will mark the Patriots’ seventh appearance at a Super Bowl, and the Giants’ fifth, with each team having three Super Bowl victories.
Currently, the two teams are 5-5 against each other. The Giants have won the last two games, while the Patriots won the four previous outings.
While no one can really predict the outcome of Sunday’s game, Patterson and McDonough have shared their own beliefs.
“Obviously I hope my team will win, and it might be a little tough to actually watch with all the hate-riots around town. But you never know what Sunday will bring. I think what it will really come down to is if Gronkowski plays,” Patterson said.
And according to McDonough, it’s all about the Giants’ beastly defensive line.
“I think one of the things we really need to do is keep Tom Brady from passing. We need to keep him on the sidelines as much as possible and let our defense have a go,” he said.
On Sunday, bars and restaurants around the area will be tuning their televisions to NBC at 6:30 p.m. while offering a plethora of food and drink specials to fans, regardless of which team they root for.
Some spots worth checking out are: Van Auken’s Inne, Gigi’s Bar and Grill, Screamen Eagle/Matt’s Draft House, Slickers, Daiker’s Inn, and Tony Harper’s Pizza and Clam Shack.
Or you can meet the leaders of the parade at the TOW Bar.
“On Sunday we’ll be at the TOW Bar helping out with their potluck. During the football season there is always a sense of camaraderie there. Even if you hate the other team, you can’t help but have a blast there,” McDonough said.
