LIMA, Ohio (WLIO) - Lima held their 32nd annual Irish Day Parade to celebrate its Irish heritage and bring the community together.
For many, the parade has become a tradition for friends and family to spend a great day together, but for the grand marshal, it is more than just a holiday.
"It's a great honor that we've been asked to be the marshals here at this parade, just to acknowledge our Irish heritage, but everybody's heritage," says Father John McLoughlin, Grand Marshal, St. Gerard Church.
Not only was there a grand marshal to lead the parade, but many floats that represented businesses, nonprofits, and even the historic Irish families. Each float was decorated to represent the day, and no matter what their heritage is, everyone is Irish during the parade.
"I think it's the community and camaraderie. It doesn't matter if you're Irish or not, everybody has fun," says Cheryl Nage, a float participant for the Irish Day Parade.
Some used this chance to honor their late relatives and to cherish time with their family.
"This was actually one of my grandpa’s last wishes before he passed, so we've just been keeping this legacy going. This is our second year doing this and it's just something we really enjoy," says Shane Esmonde, a float participant for the Irish Day Parade.
By having family and friends all participate in this parade, whether that be on a float or in the crowd, the lima community added a little luck to their day and also added some green along Main Street.
