Welcome to the Irish Congress of Southern Califronia's web page for the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade and Festival. The theme for this year is Celebrating Children's Services and focusing on the services of Adoption, Fostering, and Mentoring (such as Big Brothers/Sisters and Girl Scouts). I chose this theme because my life and family have been aided in some way by all of these agencies. Each has touched my life in some way with amazing and wonderful life-long results.
Most often, the children needing these services are the most in need of extra love and special care. Children in need of adoptive parents or loving families to foster them until they can be placed in safe, nurturing homes. Mentors who take time from their lives to guide and teach children to be people of integrity and productive in our society. This is one way that the Irish community can give to the greater community of San Diego as we celebrate our heritage and culture.
We invite you to join us, rain or shine, to start the parade with the Emerald Society Fire Fighters Pipe Band and then bring the family to the Festival area for an afternoon of food, music, dance, shopping, history (at the Celtic Village) and good fun - or "craic," as the Irish say.
John Hyatt
Parade and Festival Chair
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2009 DIGNITARIES:
Executive Grand Marshal --
Mayor Jerry Sanders
Honorable Irish Representatives --Angela & John Byrne
Grand Marshal --
Ray McKewon
Irish Man of the Year --
Shanti Hofshi
Irish Woman of the Year --
Mary Armstrong
San Diego Man of the Year --
Honorable Judge Peter Gallagher
San Diego Woman of the Year --
Beth Connelly
Service Organization of the Year -- Al Bahr Shrine
San Diego Org. of the Year -- Frank King/Boozefighters MC S.D. Chapter
Smiling Irishman -- Nate Boyle-Underhill
2009 Miss Colleen -- Lili Lovberg
2009 Parade Chair -- John Hyatt
