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Philadelphia St. Patrick’s Day Parade

News

Our Day in the Sun

Everybody had a good time.

Everybody had a good time.

Ireland’s agriculture minister, Michelle O’Neill, stood alongside Ring of Honor member, musician Gerry Timlin, and paused for a moment to take in the pomp and pageantry that is the Philadelphia St. Patrick’s Day Parade. “This is my first time in the parade, and it’s just fantastic,” she exclaimed. “It’s a beautiful day.”

To the Philadelphians of all ethnic groups who line up along the Benjamin Franklin Parkway every year, the parade is always fantastic, even if the day dawns misty and gray, more like an early spring day in Galway. The 2012 extravaganza, held on Sunday, was likewise fantastic, but it differed from many previous Philly parades past in one significant way: this was the first parade in a long time in which it was possible to get a sunburn. With sunshine enough to make parade-goers squint and shield their eyes with their hands, blissful springlike temperatures, and a balmy breeze, Sunday really and truly was a beautiful day.

Just about anyone who’s ever been associated with the parade couldn’t help but notice one other difference this year: there’s always a crowd, but Sunday’s gorgeous weather seemed to draw many, many more parade-goers out of their winter cocoons than in years past. Logan Square is a pretty good barometer. The crowd typically thins out there—a place for the dancers, pipe bands and mummers to take a bit of a break before pressing on to the Eakins Oval reviewing stands—but there were substantial crowds there this year.

We’ve captured the parade as we usually do, with hundreds of photos, from Miss Mayo to the Fralinger String Band to the Philly Phanatic, and there’s a pretty good sampling in the photo essay above. We’ll give you links to all of the photo essays below—maybe you’ll even see yourself—but first, let’s pass along the names of this year’s parade prize winners. (With our congratulations as well, of course.)

Hon. James H.J. Tate Award
(Founded 1980, this was named the Enright Award Prior to 1986)
Sponsored by: Michael Bradley and Mike Driscoll
Group That Best Exemplified the Spirit of the Parade
2012 Rince Ri School of Irish Dance

Msgr. Thomas J. Rilley Award (Founded 1980)
Outstanding Fraternal Organization
Sponsored by: AOH Division 39, Msgr. Thomas J. Rilley
2012 Second Street Irish Society

George Costello Award (Founded 1980)
Organization with the Outstanding Float in the Parade
Sponsored by: The Irish Society
2012 Irish of Havertown

Hon. Vincent A. Carroll Award (Founded 1980)
Outstanding Musical Unit Excluding Grade School Bands:
Sponsored by: John Dougherty Local 98
2012 Reilly Raiders Drum & Bugle Corps

Anthony J. Ryan Award (Founded 1990)
Outstanding Grade School Band
Sponsored by: The Ryan Family
2012 St. Aloysius Academy Marching Band

Walter Garvin Award (Founded 1993)
Outstanding Children’s Irish Dance Group
Sponsored by: Walter Garvin Jr.
2012 Cummins School of Irish Dance

Marie C. Burns Award (Founded 2003)
Outstanding Adult Dance Group
Sponsored by: Philadelphia Emerald Society
2012 Nicholl School of Irish Dance

Joseph E. Montgomery Award (Founded 2006)
Outstanding AOH and/or LAOH Divisions
Sponsored by: AOH Div. 65 Joseph E. Montgomery
2012 AOH / LAOH Division # 17

Joseph J. “Banjo” McCoy Award (Founded 2006)
Outstanding Fraternal Organization
Sponsored by: Schuylkill Irish Society
2012 Sixty Ninth Pennsylvania Irish Volunteers

James F. Cawley Parade Director’s Award (Founded 2006)
Outstanding Organization selected by the Parade Director.
Sponsored by: AOH Division 87 Port Richmond
2012 Philadelphia Emerald Society

Father Kevin C. Trautner Award (Founded 2008)
Outstanding School or Religious Organization that displays their Irish Heritage while promoting Christian Values
Sponsored by: Kathy McGee Burns
2012 St. Katherine of Siena (NE Philadelphia)

Maureen McDade McGrory Award (Founded 2008)
Outstanding Children’s Irish Dance Group Exemplifying the Spirit of Irish Culture through Traditional Dance
Sponsored by: McDade School of Irish Dance
2012 McDade School of Irish Dance

James P. “Jim” Kilgallen Award (Founded 2011)
Outstanding organization that best exemplifies the preservation of Irish-American unity through charitable endeavors to assist those less fortunate at home and abroad.
Sponsored by: Michael Bradley
2012 Mayo Association of Philadelphia

Mary Theresa Dougherty Award (Founded 2012)
Outstanding organization dedicated to serving the needs of God’s people in the community.
Sponsored by: St. Patrick’s Day Observance Association Board
2012 Divine Providence Village Rainbow Irish Step Dancers

We should note in passing that 2012 marked Divine Providence’s parade debut. You can read more about them here.

And now, without further adieu, here are our photos. Better get a cup of coffee and settle in for a while.

March 16, 2012 by
News

Party Time in Springfield

No doubt about it

No doubt about it

A lot of events lead up to the Philadelphia St. Patrick’s Day Parade. One of the biggest is the annual fun-raiser at Springfield Country.

This year’s “do” was no exception, bringing in scores of party-goers who just couldn’t wait to get started on their St. Patrick’s celebrations. Parade Grand Marshal John Dougherty led the list of VIPs.

This year, the Hooligans and the Vince Gallagher Band took center stage, and had guests up and dancing all afternoon. (Especially the wee ones.)

We have the pics!

Check them out.

March 9, 2012 by
Dance, News

Dancing for God

A happy moment during rehearsal

A happy moment during rehearsal

In a school auditorium in Springfield, Delaware County, nine women in simple black Irish dance outfits clasp hands together as their slipper-clad feet lightly skip across the floor. You can see the intense concentration in their faces as they rehearse traditional dances like “Shoe the Donkey” and “Bridge of Athlone.” Led by their instructor Kathleen Madigan, they count aloud:

1-2-3-4-5-6-7

1-2-3

1-2-3

Learning traditional Irish dance can be a test for anybody. For Madigan’s “ladies,” as she fondly calls them, developing all the fancy footwork and consigning it to muscle memory is an especially daunting task. They’re the Rainbow Irish Step Dancers, an enthusiastic troupe of developmentally challenged women from Divine Providence Village, a cottage-style community operated by Catholic Social Services. This Sunday will mark their debut in the Philadelphia St. Patrick’s Day Parade. You’ll recognize them by the pretty rainbow sash they proudly wear across their backs.

The idea for the Rainbow Dancers began over a year ago at a Christmas show at Divine Providence, which Madigan, a former nutritionist at the facility and a student at the Irish Stars Parker School of Irish Dance in Hellertown, attended. When the chorus began to sing “Jingle Bell

Rock,” Madigan recalls, “all the ladies got up and started dancing like crazy. Well, when you think about it, ‘Jingle Bell Rock’ actually fits a light jig. It was then that I realized: They could do this.”

Starting last February, Madigan started running an every-other-Saturday Irish dance class, and every resident of the village who wants to can come and dance. And that’s all it was ever going to be—an opportunity for a couple dozen residents to socialize and have fun. But after a month or two, Madigan realized that there was a core group who could, with coaching, perform publicly.

“These ladies really stood out. They were just so happy when they danced, I thought we could teach them, and they could help each other learn steps. A little over a year later, and we’re still going strong.”

Madigan herself has only been dancing for four years, having started at age 50, so coaching the Divine Providence dancers is a way to bolster her own skills. But more than that, seeing her dancers’ excitement and knowing how hard they have to work, gives her joy.

“Kathy in our group is almost totally blind,” she says. “Eleanor holds her hand so she can dance. Diane is in a brace. There are a lot of physical and mental obstacles to overcome so they can do this, but it gives them a sense of belonging to a team. They know they are the Irish dancers. They just feel special.”

Unlike other dancers, Madigan adds, the Rainbow ladies dance simply for the love it. And it shows. They possess a childlike purity of purpose. “They don’t face competition,” Madigan says. “They don’t have to come in first. They’re just there for each other. And they’ll readily tell you that they dance for God.”

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March 9, 2012 by
News

Second Streeters Get the Party Started

Johnny Doc, enjoying the day.

Johnny Doc, enjoying the day.

The Philadelphia St. Patrick’s Day doesn’t march up the Benjamin Franklin Parkway until Sunday, March 11, but anybody familiar with the parade knows the fun all starts a lot earlier.

So it was on Sunday, when the Second Street Irish Society hosted a big fund-raiser for the parade at their headquarters down in the Pennsport section of Philadelphia.

Party-goers made their way up the steep wooden stairs to the Society’s cozy third floor, there to catch up with their friends—both the friends they see all the time and the friends they hang out with once a year for a few short but busy weeks in February and March. There was music, too, the band Clancy’s Pistols stirring things up with rebel tunes like “The Broad Black Brimmer of the IRA.”

The Society’s dancers took to the hardwood floor for a preview of the style they’ll show in the parade, followed by the Society’s pipes and drums band, whose drones probably shook a few bricks loose.

Grand Marshal John “Johnny Doc” Dougherty and parade officials showed up toward the end of the celebration, there to thank the Second Streeters for their generosity and hospitality.

Dougherty spoke few words, but managed to convey the spirit of the season: “Being Irish is more than St. Patrick’s Day, having a beer in an Irish pub or getting an Irish tattoo on your 16th birthday.” He urged the assembled guests to take pride in their heritage every day of the year.

We’re guessing you don’t need any further reminder.

We captured a bunch of photos from the fund-raiser. In the days and weeks leading up to March 11, look for more such celebrations.

February 24, 2012 by
News, People

Johnny They Really Know Ye

John Dougherty marching in a past parade.

By Kathy McGee Burns

I’ve known John Dougherty, business manager of IBEW Local 98 and this year’s Grand Marshal of the Philadelphia St. Patrick’s Day Parade, for many years. I’ve interviewed him many times and admire him greatly, so I’ve decided to leave the kind words to his friends.

When Parade Director Michael Bradley nominated the man everyone knows as “Doc,” he submitted a very succinct, business-like list of reasons that led the board to elect him unanimously. Here’s what Michael Bradley wrote about Doc:

1. His grandparents were Irish-born and he has nurtured the Irish traditions
2. He supports virtually every benefit involving the Irish community
3. He has been honored by the Delaware Valley Irish Hall of Fame
4. He was a founding member of the Irish Memorial
5. He was honored by Maynooth College for his support of Irish seminarians
6. He and his union are lead sponsors of the parade
7. His strong presence has brought our parade to a new level of excellence
8. He has never sought the limelight
9. John Dougherty sets a good example for us to follow
10. He is a Treasure in the Irish community and best of all, he is one of us and we love him!

Here’s what others have to say about this year’s Grand Marshal:

Ed McBride, friend, neighbor, coach, manager of the Edward O’Malley Athletic Association, Philadelphia
John grew up with my sons, Ed and Dan. They played football together. I coached John when he was a skinny 75-pounder from age 8 to 15. This all took place at the EOM Athletic facility in South Philly. John Dougherty became a major factor in Philadelphia, a lightening rod! He is a great family man, a great church man, and a great Irishman. He does the right thing for the right motives. He get things done and doesn’t want recognition. If we had more people like John Dougherty, we’d be much better off. This is the best choice.

Mick Treacy, neighbor and friend
John is a true gentleman. His hand has touched every Irish event. I’ve been his neighbor and friend for some 25 years. When sickness hit the Treacy family, John Dougherty was very kind to us. He is the finest Irish American I’ve ever met.”

Bobby Henon, Philadelphia City Councilman
John Dougherty has built his life and career around helping people. His mantra is, ‘You never forget where you come from if you never leave’. He took a near bankrupt business and with creativity, work ethic and vision built it up to a billion dollar enterprise with a brand. Local 98 is the fabric of Philadelphia. His financial stability and political power is used to help people who need it. He believes in giving it all back. He is my family. Once, after having surgery, I opened my eyes and they were all there; my Mom, Dad, my wife, and John. I think that being the Grand Marshal will be one of John’s most proudful days….a singlemost honor which will be held in the highest regard. He is Irish 365 days of the year, 24/7. To know John is to love him. Philadelphia is a better place because of John Dougherty’s commitment and service.

Bob Gessler, founder of the Hibernian Hunger Project and first vice president of the Philadelphia St. Patrick’s Day Observance Committee
Any man who starts out a speech with “I am Irish, I am Catholic, I am Union–and proud of it!” is the kind of man that I want to lead the parade. John Dougherty has a complete commitment to Irish America. He is ready, willing and able to help anyone. He does it citywide, in many ways that no one knows about. John Dougherty is a family man, neighborhood man and a Philadelphian. He is the ‘go-to guy’ who came up through Irish roots. When they were talking about the Irish Memorial, people said, too ethnic, not the right ethnic, scale it down’…Not John! He fundraised, did the original site work and involved the other trade unions. He got it done!

Bill Green, Jr., Philadelphia City Councilman
John Dougherty is a force for good in so many ways in Philadelphia. His charitable works whether it be Magee Rehabilitation or the Variety Club has reached thousand upon thousand of lives in our city. He is truly worthy of this recognition and I am proud to call him a friend.

Bill Green, Sr. Former Mayor of Philadelphia
John Dougherty as grand marshal is really a terrific choice. He is proud of his heritage and I look forward to seeing John lead the Philadelphia St. Patrick’s Day Parade.”

Kevin Dougherty, Administrative Judge, Family Court, John Dougherty’s brother
How do I feel about having John Dougherty as my brother? Well, he’s just my big brother. He has never changed. The way he is today is the way he’s always been. Genuine! His heart is bigger than his body. When I was a law student and he was a struggling union apprentice with a young family, he would send me care packages, maybe $25, or food…always addressed to Kevin Dougherty, Esq., with a note of encouragment. John has the patience of my Dad and the assertiveness of Mom. He shares their hearts. He aspires to inspire. He doesn’t realize the impact he has! And at the end of the day…I love him.

Gerry Adams TD, Sinn Féin President, Northern Ireland
John, a chara, comhgairdheas / congratulations on your election as Grand Marshall of the Philadelphia St Patrick’s Day Parade for 2012.

It is an honour well deserved for your record of working for the rights and wellbeing of your members and for the whole community. Let me take this opportunity to thank you and the members of Local 98 for your support and help over the years. Your commitment to freedom, justice and peace in Ireland has helped us to move forward towards our goal of Irish unity and independence.

As you head the St Patrick’s Day Parade in that great city of Philadelphia ,I know that our friend, the late, great Mike Doyle, will be with you in spirit.

So to you and all our friends who will be proudly marching with you on March 11th, have a great St Patrick’s Day Parade.

Bain sult as an lá! Is mise le meas, Gerry Adams

As for me, it will be one of my proudest moments as President of this great Parade when I put the Grand Marshal sash on John Dougherty.

Kathy McGee Burns is president of the Philadelphia St. Patrick’s Day Observance Association.

February 16, 2012 by
News

2012 Philly St. Patrick’s Parade Takes Its First Steps

Michael Bradley with his battle plan

Michael Bradley with his battle plan

Many of us have only just dragged the Christmas tree out to the curb, but the folks who stage the Philadelphia St. Patrick’s Day Parade are already focusing on March.

The Philadelphia St. Patrick’s Day Observance Association met Thursday at the Double Tree in Center City to lay out their plans for the 2012 edition of one of the city’s most colorful spectacles.

This year’s parade kicks off at noon on Sunday, March 11. It’s a later start than in previous years—an effort to make it easier for marchers to participate, says parade director Michael Bradley. The parade will still be televised—possibly on CBS3, but more likely on sister station, the CW Philly 57—from 1 to 4.

The start time of the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Mass is also different: 9:30, a half-hour later than before. The Mass is celebrated at St. Patrick’s Church, off Rittenhouse Square.

It’s too early to know for sure how many groups will march this year, Bradley says, but about 200 is likely—from St. Patrick at the beginning to the Guinness truck at the end.

One other important change: the pre-parade luncheon is now a dinner. In previous years, parade officials and guests have attended a weekday ceremony at City Hall in late morning, followed by a luncheon at the Double Tree shortly afterward. For a lot of people, association president Kathy McGee Burns says, this was an inconvenience. “For many people, it was hard to come at midday and take a day off from work.” This year’s mayoral proclamation will take place at City Hall at 4 p.m., followed by a cocktail hour and dinner at the Double Tree.

As at the previous years’ luncheon, the grand marshal—this year it’s IBEW Local 98 Business Manager John J. Dougherty—will receive his sash, as will members of the Ring of Honor.

McGee Burns announced the 2012 Ring of Honor members:

  • Melissa Martin, Philadelphia Emerald Society 2011 Police Officer of the Year (she took part in the attempted rescue of a motorist whose car drove into the Schuylkill River)
  • Joseph T. Kelley, Jr., president of the Brehon Law Society (an association of Irish-American attorneys)
  • Gaelic football official Tom Higgins
  • William Watson, Ph.D., Immaculata University, historian and keeper of Duffy’s Cut (a stretch of tracks in Malvern where, in 1832, several dozen Irish rail workers died under suspicious circumstances)
  • Irish fund-raiser Tommy O’Leary
  • Well-known Irish musician and publican Gerry Timlin
January 13, 2012 by
News

A Message From Philadelphia St. Patrick’s Day Parade Director Michael Bradley

Michael Bradley

Parade director Michael Bradley in the booth with CBS3's Kathy Orr.

We started off parade season with a great fundraiser at AOH Division 39 in Tacony. Thanks to President Ed Dougherty, who provided us hospitality at their club. The event was chaired by Joe Fox, the president of the AOH Philadelphia County Board, and Kathy Fanning, the president of the LAOH Philadelphia County Board. Music was by Frank Daly’s great band Jameson; dancers were from Chrissy Zeo Harbison’s fantastic Celtic Flame School of Irish Dance. Everyone danced, sang and had a great time while raising
money for the parade.

The next major event was a fundraiser with another great night at 2nd Street Irish Society in South Philly. Thanks to President Michael Remshard who provided us a great night at their club. The event was chaired by our newest board member John Stevenson, the founder of 2nd Street Irish Society. Music was by John McGillian’s band 5 Quid and the dancers were from Jeannine McGuire’s 2nd Street Irish Society Step Dancers. Speeches were given and I made mention of 2nd St Irish Society’s 15th anniversary and that their club has a whole wall with awards won at the Philadelphia St. Patrick’s Day parade. After what I saw at the parade, you are going to fill up more walls! Again, our goal was to mingle with our hosts and guests in a relaxed atmosphere and have a good
time while raising money for the parade.

We had a VIP Reception for our major sponsors, which was held in the Grand Lobby at CBS3 and is the highlight of the social calendar. Grand Marshal Sister James Anne Feerick IHM was introduced, gave a heartfelt speech and even danced for us. Kathy
McGee Burns introduced the Ring of Honor: Sr. Kathleen Brabson, S.S.J., Bernadette Browne, Honorable Pamela P. Dembe, Denise Foley, Liz Kerr, Eileen Lavin, Sister Christine McCann, R.S.M., and Honorable Kelly C. Wall.

We introduced the great CBS3 /CW Philly 57 team of Susan Barnett, Kathy Orr, Bob Kelly, Perry Casciato, Chris May, Jim Donovan, Dave Huddleston, Susan Schiller and Joanne Calabria. All mingled with guests and a fantastic time was had by all in attendance.

The highlight of the night was that we had the honor of presenting John Dougherty a plaque for all his years or support with the Irish community and specifically his support for the parade. There would be no parade of this magnitude without John Dougherty and
IBEW Local 98, so make sure you thank him when you see him. We also gave awards to major sponsors Sandy Muller and Marty Farrell from Muller Beverage. The music was provided by Karen Boyce McCollum, Brian Boyce and Luke Jardel and the dancers were from the McDade School of Irish Dance. The outstanding food was served by Cescaphe Caterers; I don’t think I have ever been to a wedding as elegant as this affair.

Our next fundraiser kicked of parade week on Sunday March 6 at Springfield Country Club where we had over 850 in attendance. Blackthorn provided their usual fantastic show. The dancers were from the McDade, Cara, and McHugh School of Irish Dance,
and ended with all of them performing together as one! CBS3 anchor Susan Barnett left her own son’s christening to be there! CBS3’s Bob Kelly is always there with us and a huge crowd favorite at Irish events. I invited the “The Man of a Thousand Voices” Joe
Conklin who had the crowd in stitches with his impersonations of Philly celebrities who were supposed to be at the fundraiser but couldn’t make it, notably Allen Iverson, Charlie Manuel, Cole Hammels and Andy Reid! We were joined by our Irish radio hosts Mike Concannon, Marianne McDonald, and Vince Gallagher. Special thanks to “professional volunteers” Linda Bradley, Carmel and Barney Boyce, Frances Duffy, Pat Donnelly, Tom Kearney, Kathy Metzger and especially Chris Phillips for organizing the Silent
Auction. We had an awesome time and I have already booked Springfield Country Club for Sunday March 4, 2012, for next year so save the date!

We started Thursday March 10 at City Hall for a wreath laying and tribute to the Irish patriots with the Friendly Sons of St. Patrick. We then proceeded on to the magnificent Mayors Reception Room for the Governor’s and Mayor’s proclamation of March as “Irish
Month.” Kathy McGee Burns introduced our Grand Marshal Sister James Anne Feerick IHM and Ring of Honor, and the dancing was provided by Rose Marie Timoney and the Timoney School of Irish Dance. Hard to believe that Sister James Anne was never
Grand Marshal before, I guess it just goes to show you how many outstanding Irish and Irish Americans we are blessed to have in our region. Mayor Nutter and Councilman Bill Green spoke and we were joined by State Reps Brendan and Kevin Boyle as they
read proclamations.

Over at the Doubletree Hotel for the annual luncheon, Kathy McGee Burns sashed our Grand Marshal, Sister James Anne to a thundering applause. They also sashed our outstanding ring of Honor: Kathy Orr and Perry Casciato from CBS3 were in attendance and another great time was had by all in anticipation of our parade. 2010 Grand Marshal and a celebrity in his own right, Seamus Boyle, the national president of the AOH, was saluted. We were also graced by the presence of Sandy Muller from Muller Beverage, presents from Johnny Doc and local 98, and amazingly a perfect parade book with a photo of Sister James Anne on the cover. Everyone always just takes it for granted that these books show up on time and I want to acknowledge all the hard work on the parade book by Greg Skahan from Griffiths Printing and Pat Donnelly.

On Sunday March 13, the Mass was magnificent, organized by Len Armstrong and the committee. The Emerald Pipers led a procession up the aisle to start the Mass celebrated by Cardinal Rigali, Father Kevin Gallagher, Father Chris Walsh, and others too numerous to mention for fear of forgetting someone. The singing, always an Irish tradition and treat, was headlined by the St. James Alumni Choir, Soloist Karen Boyce McCollum, and National Anthem by Frank Gallagher. While the Mass was going on, George
Hollingsworth, who is retired from the City and whom I cannot do without, was in work clothes screwing down a dance floor at the performing area, while Joe Callan was helping me organize the performing area.

We had 187 groups and started the parade at 16th & JFK at 11:15 a.m. The bands were awesome, the dancers magnificent, the marchers inspiring, and the crowd never stopped cheering. Timmy Kelly started us off with his usual jaw-dropping, tear-wiping
rendition of Danny Boy, and Frank Gallagher chipped in with America the Beautiful, and the crowd’s enthusiasm never waned the whole four and one half hours. The 2011 Theme was: ST. PATRICK, BLESS OUR RELIGIOUS SISTERS WHO SERVE, INSPIRE AND EDUCATE.

We were led off this year by our friends from Philadelphia’s Finest, the Emerald Society Pipes and Drums. I cannot thank enough John McNesby, president of FOP Local 5, and Harry Marnie for their hospitality and help at FOP 5 after the parade. Special thanks to
Captain Tom Helker, without his help and support, we could never be successful.

I have to give a special hello and thank you to our sisters who marched this year. The Immaculate Heart of Mary Nuns and the Sisters of Mercy nuns made all of us proud and had a ball while doing so. Sisters, thank you and I hope to see you all next year!

Kathy Orr, Susan Barnett, and Bob Kelly did another outstanding job and were ably assisted by Father Kevin Gallagher and Karen Boyce McCollum. I was honored to be asked to go into the booth and do some commentating, but to tell you the truth, it was so
hot in there and I couldn’t sit still that long, my ADD was in high gear and I left after I lost interest in the booth, and not being on the street. So I have a brand new appreciation of our commentators and the preparation and work that they do! If you would like to
see the parade, go to www.CBSPhilly.com and you can watch the entire parade, or it is on Comcast Video on Demand for free also.

My family joined up with Mike Driscoll’s Family and we rented a double-decker bus. We put the Philly Phanatic and the Penn State Nittany Lion up on top of the bus so all could see him and save him from being mobbed by the crowd. He was obviously a huge hit
and a great addition.

Our award winners and info on our awards party can be found on our Web site at www.philadelphiastpatsparade.com. We look forward to seeing all the winners, sponsors, marcher and friends at our awards party on Wednesday April 13, 2011, at
Finnigan’s Wake at 6 p.m., where we will also announce our Trip to Ireland Winner.

If you have any questions or require information, please visit our Web site. Come join the fun and get to know our board members and the CBS3 celebrities!

The next major Irish event that I am hosting is on Sunday, June 5. We will have the 13th Annual Irish Festival at Penn’s Landing with vendors, dancers, bands, entertainment and the Man and Woman of the year awards. Do not miss it, it is a great event!

Please go to the CBS3 Web site and tell them how much you appreciate their involvement in the Irish community. I’d also like to take this opportunity to thank the Denise Foley, a proud 2011 Ring of Honor member, and Jeff Meade for all their coverage and support not just this month, but 365 days of the year. Their photos are simply “THE BEST” I am proud to call them friends!

Special thanks go out to my wife Linda, and sons Mickey and Colin, for understanding all the time that I have been missing from their lives the last month, to president Kathy McGee Burns and 1st VP Bob Gessler, 2nd VP Chris Phillips, Secretary Mary Frances
Fogg, Treasurer Len Armstrong, all our Board Members, CBS3 President Jon Hitchcock and his staff, Mayor Nutter, Melanie Johnson, Jazelle Jones, George Hollingsworth, Joe Callan, our producer and friend Liz Naughton, and 2nd VP Chris Phillips, who ably handled all the chaos at 16th and JFK and Pat Donnelly for all her help, and to my good friend at CBS 3, without whom this parade wouldn’t make it one minute on TV, Perry Casciato. And a really big special get well quickly to Paul Phillips, I need you to get
well NOW, because I need someone to tell me how bad I screw things up now that Jim Kilgallen, Jack McNamee, & Tom Moffit are gone!

If you are reading this, and missing all this fun, why don’t you get a group to march? All you need is one key person and we’ll do the rest. Contact me at www.philadelphiastpatsparade.com!

By the end of the parade we had over 20,000 marchers strong pass through. To the six groups who did not pass through before TV coverage ended, please accept our apologies, we will make it up to you next year or in some way through this year. The last group is
just as special as the first group to me! We certainly were blessed with great weather!

The title of parade director carries a tremendous responsibility that has been placed on me, but even though it is an unbelievable amount of work, all I can think about, is what an honor it is for me to serve and honor, you and your ancestors. I am very proud to
have that responsibility, and promise to do my best at all times, for everyone in the Irish community. Don’t forget, we have 26 members on our board and they all contribute in some way this fine parade! Make sure you thank them when you see them.

On behalf of the Saint Patrick’s Day Observance Association, thanks again for a wonderful display of religion, tradition, culture, friendship, and love for all things Irish!

In Honor of St Patrick,

Michael J. Bradley Jr.

Philadelphia St. Patrick’s Day Parade Director

March 24, 2011 by
News

Philadelphia Parade Video Highlights

The map of Ireland

Wherever there’s a mummer strutting up the Parkway, we’ll be there. Wherever there’s a jig playing so kids in curly wigs can dance, we’ll be there. We’ll be everywhere—everywhere you look.

We were there at the beginning of the 2011 Philadelphia St. Patrick’s Day Parade when the Emerald pipers marched past playing “Minstrel Boy” at 16th and JFK, and we were there at the end when the beer truck rolled by. (We’ve always thought that was a happy ending.)

It’s hard to take a parade that goes on for a few hours and boil it all down to its shamrocky essence. That didn’t stop us from trying. Oh, sure, the people at CBS3 showed the whole thing. But they’ve got, you know, cameras and helicopters and stuff.

Anyway, we did the best we could to capture as many of you as we could. We hope this all looks as fun for you as it was for us.

March 18, 2011 by