St. Patrick's Day parade returns to Pottsville after three-year hiatus

Hyun Soo Lee, Republican & Herald, Pottsville, Pa.
·3 min read

Mar. 11—POTTSVILLE — Hundreds of people flocked to the city Saturday to watch the St. Patrick's Day parade, the first in Pottsville since 2019.

Featuring about 30 organizations, including bagpipe ensembles, dance troupes, and city and county officials, this year's parade was among the largest in recent history, despite coming off a three-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Many people attended the parade decked in shamrock green, mirroring the rich Irish culture represented in the assembly of costumes, displays and dances.

Performers in the parade included the Hawk Mountain Highlanders, the Nittany Highland Pipe Band and the Shenandoah All-Star Polka Band, as well as ensembles from Pottsville Area High School and North Schuylkill High School.

Also featured in the lineup were dancers from the Crimson Academy for the Performing Arts and the Sabo School of Irish Dance, which carried a collection of leprechauns, hats and other St. Patrick's-themed floats.

One section of the parade featured a colorful assembly of Jeeps, courtesy of the Jeep Enthusiasts of Eastern PA. Many of the vehicles were festooned with banners, shamrocks, leprechauns and other decorations.

"I was very, very pleased with the parade," said Steve Young, chairman of the parade committee. "With the committee that we had, and the volunteers we had, everything fell into place."

The parade was co-sponsored by the Ancient Order of Hibernians John F. Kennedy Division 2 and the Pottsville Business Association.

This year's grand marshals were John O'Reilly and Patrick M. "Porcupine Pat" McKinney.

The parade stepped off at 11 a.m. near 12th and Market streets, proceeding down a route that wove through many of the city's thoroughfares, including Centre Street and Laurel Boulevard.

Near the end of the procession were firetrucks from local fire companies, such as Good Will Fire Company, Phoenix Hook and Ladder, and Yorkville Hose Fire-Rescue.

Other parade participants included Pottsville Mayor Dave Clews, Schuylkill County Commissioner Gary J. Hess and state Rep. Tim Twardzik, R-123, Butler Twp.

Gene McDonald, of Pottsville, a member of the AOH Jack Kehoe Division 1 in Girardville, said the parade represents a "great day" to support Irish culture and heritage.

A longtime participant in many St. Patrick's Day parades, including in Pottsville and Girardville, McDonald chose to attend this year's event as a spectator, particularly to see his daughter perform in the Pottsville Area High School band.

"Our area's very strong on the Irish heritage, and it's always been very strong," McDonald said. "It keeps on growing."

Before the event, AOH members observed their traditional pre-parade Mass on Saturday morning at St. Patrick's Roman Catholic Cathedral. This was followed by a special, sold-out breakfast at the Crimson House honoring the grand marshals and other public figures.

Young said many spectators were pleased with the size of the parade and the variety of its lineup.

For next year's parade, he said, the committee has already garnered interest from a few musical groups who did not participate in Saturday's event.

Although he does not know the exact date, he said next year's event will be held on or around St. Patrick's Day, which will be Sunday, March 17, 2024.

"If you thought this parade was big, next year's will be even bigger," he added.

Contact the writer: hlee@republicanherald.com; 570-628-6085