Gov. Chris Sununu gets smiles out of former Massachusetts Gov. William Weld, left, and Wild Irish Breakfast Blarney Master Chris Williams during last year's breakfast. This year's 29th annual breakfast is set for March 13. (Courtesy photo)

NASHUA – As of 48 hours ago, Gov. Chris Sununu had yet to confirm his appearance at this year’s 29th annual PLUS Company Wild Irish Breakfast.

Odds are his response will be in the affirmative, because he knows, or should know, that a sitting New Hampshire governor skipping one of the state’s top must-go events would almost certainly stir the ire of those unseen but powerful Irish spirits already well-practiced in the kind of mischief most folks try to avoid.

Assuming the governor does take his place at the head table, he will be among several speakers who, for a couple of hours each year, become “Irish Wits,” doing their part to extract giggles and guffaws from the audience.

This year, the “wits,” led by the “head wit” known as the Blarney Master, will take the stage starting around 7:45 a.m. Friday, March 13, following the always-popular coffee hour and the breakfast itself.

See accompanying information box for more details and ticket information.

Since its inception in 1991, the Wild Irish Breakfast has put on its stage a wide variety of guests and speakers, most of whom are of the political ilk and range from both sitting and “wannabe” vice presidents, senators and representatives at both the state and federal levels, Granite State governors and every Nashua mayor to date.

Returning as Blarney Master again this year is former Greater Nashua Chamber of Commerce exeuctive director and recent mayoral candidate Chris Williams, who a few years ago accepted the ceremonial gavel from the original Blarney Master, former Mayor Bernie Streeter.

It was Streeter and Mike Monks, PLUS Company directors at the time, who came up with the idea for a St. Patrick’s Day-themed fundraiser.

The proceeds – the total recently broke the $2 million milestone – are used to support the PLUS Company’s adult education and socialization program, a fairly new addition to the agency’s programming that guides clients toward “developing skills, increasing self-reliance and becoming vital, productive members of the community,” according to its mission statement.

One of the highlights of each year’s breakfast is the introduction of a PLUS Company client, who shares with the audience some of his or her endeavors and accomplishments since coming to the agency.

This year’s speaker is Emily Brown, who has been with PLUS for six years, said Jennifer Cusato, PLUS director of marketing.

“She’ll be telling everyone all about life at the PLUS Company,” Cusato said, adding that Brown resides in one of its group homes.

One small issue: Should Brown mention each of the programs she’s involved in at PLUS, time may become a factor.

“She takes tons of classes, does all different kinds of programs,” Cusato said. ‘She’s super involved … she even does community service.”

One of Brown’s favorite classes is fast becoming the favorite of many of her fellow clients: the positivity class.

“It’s brand new. The clients love it,” Cusato said of the class, which she said is geared toward showing clients “how to deal with a tough situation and still look on the bright side.”

Dean Shalhoup may be reached at 594-1256 or dshalhoup@nashuatelegraph.com.