Pocono News Section

Luck of the Irish for Girardville Parade

Luck of the Irish for Girardville Parade - Saturday, March 20, 2010 at 04:07AM EST

Reported by: Mark Hiller
Saturday March 20 2010
GIRARDVILLE, SCHUYLKILL COUNTY - Schuylkill County finally had the luck of the Irish on its side for a parade.

Unlike one week earlier when wet weather forced Pottsville to cancel its Saint Patrick's day parade, Girardville held its annual celebration under sunny skies.

Bagpipes blared at the 7th annual Girardville Saint Patrick's Day parade.

And that's not the only music featured here.

High school marching bands like the one from North Schuylkill also played-on to keep a huge crowd pumped up.

And what a parade crowd.

Some say it's the most they can remember to witness a parade that has a little something for everyone.

"Firetrucks are great. The music is awesome. Irish Lads at the Second Street Pub, great Irish music and overall just a joyous time," said John Pytko of Mahanoy City.

Some parade goers definitely dressed for the day.

Mike Walborn of Orwigsburg and his young son decided to break out the kilts to celebrate their heritage.

"Both sides of our family have a little bit of Irish background," he said. "This tartan is called the Irish revenge tartan."

Animals also got into the act as Clydesdale horses pulled carts from the Yuengling beer company known for its Schuylkill County roots.

This parade also had its patriotism and plenty of civic pride to go along with irish pride.

Tom Clarke has his Girardville home all decked out in green and white.

He plans his annual family reunion around the parade.

"For myself, it's a big homecoming. Everyone from the family comes in. We have people from California that come in, Virginia. So, we do it big time here," said Clarke.

Some in Girardville served up something straight from the Emerald Isle -- deep fried Bellinies.

And whether it was their first Girardville Saint Patrick's Day parade or their 7th, it's a parade day that will stand out for some time.