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St Louis AOH Saint Patricks Day Parade 2008
Monday, March 17, steps off at 12:30 PM
The 25th Annual Ancient Order of Hibernians Saint Patrick's Day Parade steps off in one of St. Louis’ oldest Irish neighborhoods .
The parade travels through the Clayton/Tamm (also known as Dogtown, or in Irish, Baile Madra) area of the city on the south side, beginning at the Tamm Avenue overpass and Oakland Boulevard. The parade travels south on Tamm Avenue past the reviewing stand at St. James the Greater Catholic Church ending Manchester Road.
The 2008 AOH Saint Patrick's Day Parade's Grand Marshal is Jim Mohan, one of the original organizers of the Ancient Order of Hibernians Saint Patrick’s Day Parade. He has served as publicity chairman of the parade since its inception in 1984. Mohan is the chief of Public Affairs of the National Geospatial-Intelligence Agency (the former Defense Mapping Agency Aerospace Center) and has been a member of in the Missouri Air National Guard for over 35 years. He currently is the Chief of Public Affairs for Joint Forces Headquarters, Missouri National Guard.
The parade, sponsored by the St. Louis City and County Boards of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, was created in 1984 to highlight the many contributions of the Irish people to America.
Over 110 units will be parading including the McBride Alumni and the St. Mary’s High School Marching Band. There will also be floats galore featuring Irish dancing and salutes to Irish history and culture from the Mayer School of Irish Dance and St. James the Greater Catholic Church. Leading off the parade will be the Ancient Order of Hibernians Irish War Pipers. Following them will be the AOH Honor Guard carrying flags from Irish history.
Like traditional parades held in the Emerald Isle on Saint Patrick's feast day, a good portion of St. Louis' Irish American community are marching as clans under their family crests and banners including the Riordans, the Tevlins, the McDermotts and the Doughertys among others.
Prizes are given for Best Float, Best Irish Heritage theme, Best Family Clan and Best Hibernian Float. The AOH is also sponsoring a contest for the best decorated house on the parade route (Tamm Avenue).
Also being honored are firefighters and law enforcement officers from St. Louis City and St. Louis County. The honorees include St. Louis Firefighter Larry Reinecke, St. Louis County Firefighter Ray Hogan, Officer Mike Roe of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, and St. Louis County Police Officer Lewis Bauman Labor Leader of the Year is Pat Dolan, President of Local 268, is also receiving special honors.
HOLIDAYS IN IRELAND
Fun Runs Missouri
Irish Music Festivals Missouri
Irish Dancing Schools Missouri
Irish Pubs Missouri
Scottish Highland Games Missouri
MISSOURI ATTRACTIONS
Ancient Order of Hibernians St Louis Saint Patrick's Day Parade
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