38th annual St. Patrick's Day could feature presidential candidate

February 29, 2016 at 9:41p.m.

BOARDMAN

This year’s Mahoning Valley St. Patrick’s Day Parade could feature a first in its 38-year history: an appearance by a presidential candidate.

The parade organization has received inquiries from the Clinton and Sanders campaigns, parade organization president Joyce Kale-Pesta said.

Nothing has been decided, but Kale-Pesta said the organization would be happy to host a presidential candidate, even though it would pose logistical difficulties.

“I think that would be a great honor for us,” she said, noting that gubernatorial and congressional candidates have made appearances over the years.

The inquiries likely have to do with the timing: The parade will take place at 1 p.m. March 13, two days before the Ohio primary election.

The theme of this year’s parade – “The Claddagh: Love, Loyalty, Friendship – also ties in with current events, Kale-Pesta said.

It was chosen, she said, “because of what’s going on in the world today. We would like our country to be filled with friendship for each other, for our neighbor. The parade is a community event. It brings all peoples together in friendship.”