Ready to have a Gael old time

It's hard to choose a favorite part of the annual parade, says its chairwoman.
BOARDMAN -- They say that on St. Patrick's Day, everybody's Irish.
This year, the St. Patrick's Day Parade theme is "'Tis a Great Day for the Irish."
So it stands to reason that at this year's Boardman parade, everybody should have a great time.
Joyce Kale-Pesta, parade chairwoman, said she has a hard time choosing a favorite parade feature.
"Every part, from the time it steps off until it's over. It's my favorite day," she said. "No one's unhappy, even if it's freezing."
Kale-Pesta said 20,000 to 25,000 people will be expected along the parade route if the weather is nice. The parade averages 10,000 spectators, she said, including years with bad weather.
It all starts at 1 p.m. next Sunday. The parade route is the same as in past years, beginning at the driveway of the Boardman Township administration building on Market Street near McClurg Road, proceeding north on Market to DeBartolo Drive, and ending at the Southwoods Medical Complex.
Live radio broadcast
The reviewing stand will be in front of Johnny's Restaurant, 7087 Market St. New this year will be a live radio broadcast, Kale-Pesta said. Dan Rivers and Clear Channel Radio will broadcast from Sweeney Chevrolet. Atty. Vincent Gilmartin and radio personality Casey Malone will act as masters of ceremonies at the reviewing stand.
Grand marshal will be Jeff Chrystal, owner of Chrystal's Catering, who is a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Joseph Nally, Division 6 of Mahoning County; and a longtime parade committee member.
This year's Ockerman Award recipient is Joseph Illencik Sr. Illencik has been a parade committee member for 28 years, serving as a marshal when it began in 1978. Kale-Pesta said he helps the parade step off every year, no matter what the weather. He was also honored in 2003 by the Mahoning Valley Gaelic Society as Gael of the Year.
The award was named for the late William Ockerman, a founding member of the parade. It is given each year to a member of the parade committee.
Mayor of Kilkenny
Helen Paes, director of community affairs for The Vindicator, is this year's Lord Mayor of Kilkenny. Kilkenny is the name of an old Irish settlement near Youngstown's South Side. Paes and the paper have given time and resources to make the parade a success, Kale-Pesta said.
There are more than 100 parade entrants, including six pipe-and-drum bands from as far away as Ontario. Six local bands will also participate.
The Ursuline High School Fighting Irish Marching Band will lead the Irish Division, while the Karns City High School Marching Band from Karns City, Pa., headlines the out-of-town performers.
The Red Hackle Pipes & amp; Drums of North Royalton, Ohio, will again participate. New this year, said Kale-Pesta, is the return of the Celtic Flame from Warren.
Clowns, color guards, costumed characters, floats and novelty units will also perform.
Party at union hall
The after-parade party will be at the Operating Engineers Local 66 Hall, 291 McClurg Road. The decorations are courtesy of Robb Kale of Balloontastic. The party will be immediately after the parade. Trophies and awards will be presented to category winners.
Mahoning County Commissioner John A. McNally IV will be master of ceremonies. The Shaffer Brothers Band will perform. The pipe bands and Irish step dancers from the parade also entertain at the party.
Division sponsors are the DeBartolo Corp., The Lyden Co., Chrystal's Catering, Timlin Plumbing and Heating, Sweeney Chevrolet, Creekside Fitness and Health Center, The Inn at Christine Valley, Bruce Zoldan and Phantom Fireworks, Compco Industries, Boardman Steel Inc., Diamond Steel Construction Co., Industrial Mill Maintenance, The Mahoning County Sanitary Engineer's office, O'Donold's Irish Pub and Grill, Gold Cross Limousine and the Mahoning Valley Irish organizations.
The parade is organized by the Mahoning Valley St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee and continues to be one of the largest community parades of its kind in the country, Kale-Pesta said. Parade sponsors are The Vindicator, WFMJ Channel 21, Clear Channel Radio and Mahoning Valley Irish organizations.