Escorted by Irish Thunder Pipes and Drums in a ceremony Saturday night at Spring Mill Banquet Hall, Frank Burton was officially welcomed as grand marshal of the 2023 St. Patrick’s Day parade in Conshohocken.
2022 Grand Marshal Bobby Whitmore passed the title over to Burton, with the honorary sash and walking stick.
Jim Gallagher was the ball’s master of ceremonies and parade chairman. Rae Dispaldo was the ball chairman. Father Bill Grogan led the opening prayer, and Kristen Murray sang the anthems of the United States and Ireland.
The pipe band then entertained with a few tunes and the Coyle School of Irish Dance presented a performance. Dinner was provided by Al Zone Catering, with dance music by Mark Shepperd.
The theme of the parade is “On the One Road”—and that road will be Fayette Street on March 11. The parade begins at 2 p.m. at 11th and Fayette Streets. The Montgomery County Saint Patrick’s Parade Committee and the leadership of Conshohocken Borough are planning the festivities.
On a typical parade day, thousands come out to line the street, having a good time with family and friends. The parade this year offers its biggest selection of bands—13 of them—along with six Irish dance schools. Several Ancient Order of Hibernians and Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians groups will join the line of march, along with the Elks, school organizations and Montgomery County firefighters, who will march as a unit.
The parade is the highlight of the week, but there’s one other event everyone looks forward to: the Irish coffee contest Thursday night at 7 at the AOH Hall in Swedesburg. Several establishments from the area will compete for the best Irish coffee.
For now, everything is well planned—except for the weather. If a decision must be made to postpone, it will be announced Thursday, March 9, by 2 p.m. Rain date for the parade is March 25.
