St. Patrick's Parade Kicks Off in Conshohocken

Times Herald File Story:

The annual St. Patrick’s Parade of Montgomery County steps off Saturday in Conshohocken.

The parade, organized a committee of men and women from the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Notre Dame Division of Swedesburg, Upper Merion Township, features the theme “Sharin’ the Green.”

The group has worked over the last six months obtaining bands, participates and sponsors for this community event.

Committee chairman for the 2008 parade is Jim Gallagher, who has been active within the committee for several years and took over when past Chairman Pete Hand was nominated Grand Marshal.

The parade will “kick off” at 11th and Fayette Streets at 2 p.m. Leading the parade will be the Combined Police Task Force Motorcycle Drill Team of Montgomery County and the V.F.W. Color Guard of Conshohocken.

Organizers note that, as in the past, the parade will be loaded with musical entertainment. Some of the bands participating will be the 307th Army Band located in Norristown, the Air Force Band out of Harrisburg, along with high school bands from New Jersey and pipe bands from throughout the region, including the AOH Notre Dame’s own Irish Thunder Pipes and Drums.

Irish dancers from Coyle, Catrin, McDade and Cummings Schools will be entertaining the crowd with their “jig and reels.” AOH, LAOH and the Irish Americans of Montgomery County will be represented.

At the reviewing stand where the bands and dancers will stop, Grand Marshal Pete Hand with his family and friends will observe the parade.

Once Hand is on the reviewing stand, vocalist Sara Agnew will open the parade with the singing of the National Anthem.

In keeping the theme, the parade committee asks that onlookers “share” by bringing dry or can goods to support those in need.

The food will be divided between the Patrician Society of Norristown and the Colonial Neighborhood Council.

The borough of Conshohocken is gearing up for the event with businesses ready to welcome spectators during and after the parade.