“We have many participants that come long distances to take part in our parade, some with floats, some in traditional costume and many with musical instruments. With the forecast as dismal as it is and with the amount of rain projected around parade time, we felt it prudent to cancel the parade at this time,” said Leo F. Haley, President of the Pottsville Ancient Order of Hibernians, JFK Division #2. “We would encourage our parade goers and participants to support the numerous other parades in our region, including the Girardville parade next Saturday.”
Although the parade is cancelled, mass will still be celebrated at St Patrick’s Roman Catholic Church in Pottsville at 8AM. The Grand Marshall’s breakfast will take place at 9AM at Trippin’ Billie on Center Street to honor the 2015 Grand Marshall, Mrs. Lydia Laughlin of Branch Twp. “Although we will unfortunately not be able to hold the parade, we still welcome the community to come and join us at breakfast to honor Lydia as our Grand Marshall. Her service to our Country, to our community and to our Order is both noteworthy and admirable” Haley stated.
At noon, the doors of the Humane Fire Company will still swing open wide and the wearin’ of the green shall be abundant at the Grand Irish Party, sponsored by the AOH with live Irish music provided by the band “Celtheart” from New Jersey. The event is not just the fundraiser for the parade, but is also the main fundraiser for the operation of the Divisions’ mission. Tickets can still be pre-purchased for $20.00 at the Humane Fire Company and at Murphy Jewelers. Tickets can be purchased at the door for $25.00.