30th St. Patrick’s parade draws 10,000

BOARDMAN — Faith and begorrah! ’Twas a fine day for the wearin’ of the green, playin’ of the pipes and marchin’ of the bands in the Mahoning Valley St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

With more than a nip in the air and the sun playing hide-and-seek with flecks of snow, the parade Sunday still attracted some 10,000 people who lined the route that ran along Market Street from McClurg Road to Southwoods Boulevard. The 30th annual event featured the theme, “Valley of the Fighting Irish.”

Eileen Gilmartin, a parade organizer, offered a running commentary on the parade participants as they passed the review stand. She shared master of ceremonies duties with her father, Vince Gilmartin, who sang along with Irish tunes while waiting for the parade to start. Sue Hummer and Deb Muccio, members of the All-American Judges Association, sat on the review stand, a perfect vantage point to see the entries.

As grand marshal, Kelly “The Ghost” Pavlik, WBO/WBC middleweight champion, followed by his manager, Jack Loew of Southside Boxing Club, led off the parade. The parade featured some 156 units including area governmental officials, police cars and firetrucks from area municipalities, non-profit community agencies and organizations, and businesses.

Some of the entries followed a boxing ring theme including Girl Scout Troop 646. The Scouts wore bathrobes and sparred. Youngstown Custom Rides featured an Irish leprechaun doing some solo boxing and Phantom Fireworks offered a boxing ring with a group of children. Youngstown Sports Grille also offered a float with a boxing ring theme.

Read the full story Monday in The Vindicator and on Vindy.com, and check back here later for video of the event.