First Posted: 3/10/2015
LIMA — For the 22nd consecutive year, Lima natives of Irish descent will celebrate their roots with the Lima Irish Parade on Saturday.
Kim Finn, organizer of the event, said the parade was talked about long before its fruition.
“The north-end Irish families in Lima talked about it for a long time,” Finn said. “Finally, back in 1993, someone took initiative and started it.”
Finn said the parade was unseasonably cold that first year, with the wind chill factor hitting -20 degrees. However, the parade went on and traditionally honors the coming of spring.
“It is a time where friends all come out of hibernation,” Finn said. “We have survived another winter, and we are ready to enjoy another spring and summer.”
The parade will extend from Robb Avenue to Town Square, ending on Market Street. For the first time, Finn said the parade will have its after-parade celebration at Veterans Memorial Civic Center. Everyone is welcome to attend.
“We have a short trophy ceremony and give hotdogs to everyone who participated in the parade,” Finn said. “Before, we always had it at St. Gerard’s. A lot of people got together and helped out so we could have it at the Civic Center.”
Finn said the grand marshals of the parade are Leo and Cathy Connors, of Lima. Finn said the couple were members of the 1993 committee in the parade’s inaugural year.
Several other events are taking place in celebration of St. Patrick’s Day in the area, including:
• An all-day celebration with Irish drink specials begins at 10 a.m. Saturday at The Met downtown. There will be an 8:30 p.m. concert.
• St. Patrick’s Day Blast will begin at 2 p.m. Saturday at The Ohio Theatre. Music by Nashville Crush and Brother Believe Me will be from 3 to 7 p.m. Cover charge is $6.
• Live music and a St. Patrick’s Day Party will be held at Pappy’s Lounge from 2 p.m. Saturday to close the next morning.
• Polly Mae will perform live at Milano’s Cafe beginning at 8 p.m. Saturday for its St. Pat’s Celebration.
• Coverstone will play in the Upper Lounge at Old City Prime at 8 p.m. today and Saturday for its St. Patrick’s Day celebration.
• Gilboa United Methodist Church celebrates St. Patrick’s Day with a traditional corned beef and cabbage supper from 5 to 7 p.m. Tuesday.
• Primrose of Lima is holding its fifth annual Pot O’ Gold Casino Night at 6:30 p.m. Tuesday. The event is free. Attendees will be given “fun money” to play a variety of Las Vegas style games, including black jack, slots and roulette. Hors d’ouevres and beverages will be available. RSVP is requested by calling 419-996-9403.
• Green beer and Irish drinks will be available at the Met, Ohio Theatre, the Upper Lounge and Milano Cafe.
