Pocono News Section

President Clinton Steals the Show at St. Patrick's Day Parade

President Clinton Steals the Show at St. Patrick's Day Parade - Saturday, March 29, 2008 at 6:47PM EST

Reported by: Jill Konopka
Saturday, Mar 29, 2008 @06:47pm EST
(GIRARDVILLE, Schuylkill County)-The tiny town of Girardville came alive unlike any other Saturday.Thousands in the community celebrated with a belated Saint Patricks day parade.

This year the crowd was even bigger than years past because former President Bill Clinton marched in the parade.The town might be small, but analysts say their vote across the state could prove to be big.

WBRE's Jill Konopka spoke with the former president and has more from today's visit.Natural Sound, “I grew up in Hot Springs, Arkansas"

Screaming supporters filled the streets of this tiny town to give Former President Bill Clinton a warm welcome at the 5th Annual St. Patty's Day Parade in Girardville. Parade Goer, “It's great. Great to be Irish, good to see Clinton out here." Before it began, the 42nd President dropped in to a home along the parade route for lunch. It’s where Councilman Charles Marquardt lives.

Reporter Jill Konopka asks, "Did you have pizza in there? President Clinton responded, “I had peroigies. I don't know where they came from." Then he was off walking, while state police, the Secret Service and bright yellow rope helped control the crowds.

It wasn't long before President Clinton started posing for pictures Frank Cray of Girardville said, "It's awesome. He looked great. Then he picked her up and kissed her, phenomenal." He (President Clinton) also signed autographs

Ruthann Withers of Orwigsburg told WBRE News, "I’m impressed. He's handsome. I hope to see his wife in the White House." And gave away hundreds of handshakes.

Then it was time to talk Hillary and her fight to get back to 1600 Pennsylvania Avenue.President Clinton told WBRE News,” Everywhere I go, all these working people say ‘don't you dare let her drop out. Don't listen to those people in Washington. They don't represent her.’ "

Clinton also closed in on his ties to the region. As president, he says he gave millions to pursue clean coal technology locally. President Clinton added, "I know a lot about this kind of coal mining and I feel strongly about what Hillary's proposed in her energy program are 10 demonstrative projects to solve Carbon Dioxide projects out of coal. But maybe more importantly than that was all about being Irish.

Clinton added, "My Cassidy relatives Mother’s family came from little village of Rosalle."

Joe Wayne is President of the Ancient Order of Hibernians. He’s also a relative of the Founder Jack Kehoe, "Never in my wildest dreams did I fathom having the President of the United States walk the streets of Girardville."

Naturally, not everyone showed support for the Clintons. But either way, the invite from U.S. Congressman Tim Holden seemed to swell the size of this years crowds.

Parade Organizer John McNelish said, “My guess is we probably had it at least doubled." Leaving a lasting impression on a lot of Pennsylvania voters.

Senator Hillary Clinton is planning a visit this Tuesday at King's College in Wilkes-Barre.

She is scheduled to be there from 12:30 to 3:30 in the afternoon.

Senator Barak Obama and his bus tour will also be visiting Northeastern Pennsylvania that same day.