LIMA, OH (WLIO) - The streets of Lima were flooded with green as Saturday marked the 30th annual Lima Irish Day Parade. Besides the fancy and creative floats and the free candy, the Irish Day Parade is about one thing: family.
"It's our heritage. We're all Casey's, and we're a strong bunch. My dad had like eight or seven brothers and five sisters. It's a lot of partying and a fun day just to celebrate family. Our heritage and being together while seeing people that we haven't seen in a year come to this because we are a strong bunch. There are a lot of strong families that have relatives that show up on this day just to celebrate and have fun."
The Irish Day Parade feels like nothing more than one big family reunion. But many don't know that there are several people behind the scenes that make this special day happen.
"I have a great committee, so we kind of spread everything out, and it just falls into place every year. It's the 30th year, and without the help from my committee, the city of Lima, and the Lima Eagles, it wouldn't be possible."
This time around for the parade, the tradition continues with a new face as the honorable Grand Marshal this year, and he couldn't be more than happy for the opportunity.
"It's thrilling. I've been involved with the parade pretty much since its inception. My dad started it, and I've either been in it, running it, or co-chair or just everything ever since. So, it's a big honor for me. I was pretty thrilled when they called me and told me."
As Grand Marshal Tom McNamara said, "This event is all about reuniting with friends and family while simply having a good time."
