NEW THIS YEAR:  The parade will lead off with the 32 county flags of Ireland, and a ten-foot-tall leprechaun, portrayed by Lancaster resident Jerry Brown.

Due to the foot of snow that fell the day before last year’s parade, which forced organizers to cancel the event, the 2007 Grand Marshal, Dr. James Patrick Murphy, Jr., did not have the opportunity to ride in the York St. Patrick’s Day Parade.  For that reason, the parade committee did not select a new Grand Marshal this year, so that Dr. Murphy may enjoy that ride.  He will be followed in the parade by a few past Grand Marshals, including Phyllis Quigley, Joan O’Keefe, Joe Barron, Jack Malloy, Joe Johnston, and the York High Alumni Band, who will join in the celebration of the quarter-century mark.  (1986 Grand Marshal Tommy McDonald, who played for the Philadelphia Eagles, and ironically wore #25, declined the invitation to participate this year, but graciously donated several autographed photos for use at a parade auction fundraiser.)

Among the many participating bands will be the Irish American String Band, who will also entertain the crowds immediately following the parade with a performance at Continental Square.  Prior to the parade, there will be Irish dance performances, musical entertainment, and children’s activities at several locations, in addition to a variety of downtown merchant promotions.

Master of Ceremonies duties will be shared by Dennis Owens and Kristen Thorne of abc27 WHTM.  As a community service, White Rose Community Television Channel 18 will televise the parade live.

The parade is organized by the York St. Patrick’s Day Parade Committee, Inc., an all-volunteer, not-for-profit organization.  This is the tenth year the group has organized the parade, which has grown dramatically since the City of York relinquished responsibility of the event.

Two upcoming fundraisers at Harp & Fiddle Irish Pub will benefit the parade:

Go Green Sunday, on February 24, will feature live music and silent auctions throughout the day.  Performing will be Irish Blessing, Magill, Nua, and Rossnareen.  Doors open at 12 noon, music and auctions will run from 2 to 8 p.m.

Barleyjuice will perform in The Abbey at Harp & Fiddle, on February 29, from 8-11 p.m., with a $10 cover charge.  There will be prizes and giveaways, and raffles to benefit the parade.

Complete details on the parade and all related events will be updated on www.YorkSaintPatricksDayParade.org on a regular basis as the parade date nears.  A parade route map, which shows nearby parking options, is also available for downloading.

For more information, visit www.YorkSaintPatricksDayParade.org or call (717) 578-0146.