Hibernian Foundation Treasurer Patrick Ryan, 2018 Grand Marshal Hamilton Mayor Kelly Yaede and Hamilton St. Patrick’s Day Parade Chairman Vince McKelvy. Submitted Photo.
The Grand Marshal of this upcoming year’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade will be a familiar face to Hamiltonians.
That’s because their Mayor – Kelly Yaede – was selected as the 33rd annual parade’s Grand Marshal, which was recently announced during a parade kick-off ceremony at the Ancient Order of Hibernians Hall in Hamilton.
Joking that she had once been a “runner-up” as Miss Saint Patrick as a teen, Yaede expressed her appreciation for the honor of being selected to lead this year’s parade.
“Irish tradition and culture is woven into the heart of our community,” said Yaede in her remarks. “Our local Irish American community continues to be an integral part of our entire community – and each March, we celebrate that through this annual parade.”
Hamilton’s Mayor received her honorary Grand Marshal sash from last year’s Grand Marshal, Tom O’Reilly.
“Each year, we select a Grand Marshal that has impacted the Irish American community is a positive way; and Mayor Yaede has been very supportive of our parade and our efforts to preserve and promote Irish culture during her tenure,” said Parade Chairman Vince McKelvey.
This year’s parade – the 8th time it will march down Nottingham Way in Hamilton – will take place on Saturday, March 10, 2018, with a 12:30 PM opening ceremony at Nottingham Fire Company followed by a 1 PM parade start.
Over the course of the lead up to the parade, several events to support the effort will take place, including a parade Grand Marshal luncheon that will take place in early 2018.
To learn more about the parade, residents can visit the website: www.hamiltonparade.com
