BOARDMAN St. Patrick's Day Parade to feature American theme

A large turnout is expected if there's good weather.
By JOHN W. GOODWIN JR.
VINDICATOR STAFF WRITER
BOARDMAN -- Area residents and parade enthusiasts can get ready for the clowns, floats, bands, entertainment and candy coming with Sunday's 24th annual St. Patrick's Day Parade.
The parade will stick to its usual route beginning at the driveway of the Boardman Township Administration Building on Market Street and moving north on Market to DeBartolo Drive at the Southwoods Medical Complex.
William I. Cleary was named the grand marshal and businessman Clarence Smith will serve as Lord Mayor of Kilkenny, an old Irish settlement situated on the South Side of Youngstown years ago.
Tim Mulholland, parade committee president, said parade turnout, as in the past, will be determined by the weather. With good weather about 25,000 people are expected, but if Mother Nature is not kind, as few as 10,000 spectators could show up, he said.
Loyal following: Mulholland noted the parade has a loyal following of core supporters regardless of the weather. He said it has become somewhat of a breaking-out event for families who have been inside all winter and are eagerly anticipating spring.
"This is the kickoff -- the anticipation to the kick of spring weather. Generally the parade is the bust-out event from cabin fever," he said. "It is astonishing to see the number of families out there. I am always amazed at the number of bundled children having a good time."
Parade's theme: The theme for this year's parade will be "God Bless America," and will feature several local marching bands and a list of bands from outside the area. The Ursuline High School Fighting Irish Marching Band will again lead the Irish Division while the Karns City High School Band from Karns City, Pa., will headline the out-of-town performers.
There will also be clowns, color guards, costumed characters, floats and a variety of novelty units. Awards will be presented to winners in several categories at the after-parade party at the Engineers Local No. 66 Hall on McClurg Road following the parade.
jgoodwin@vindy.com