Proof that it’s never too early to kick off Saint Patrick’s Day festivities – which is officially on March 17 – Philly brought Irish pride to the streets on March 10.
Winding its way through Center City, Old City and ending at Penn’s Landing, the nearly five-hour parade ended around 3 p.m. The second oldest parade of its kind, Philly’s Saint Paddy’s Day Parade celebrated its 249th anniversary, again with bagpipes, kilts, music and plenty of Irish-styled dancing. Despite the early date, and a spotty forecast, parade-goers and participants were not deterred from getting into the full holiday spirit.
Floats and participants embodied both the traditional and contemporary Irish culture. A number of unions also were represented in the festivities, which included some support for prominent Philadelphia labor leader John J. “Johnny Doc” Dougherty, currently under indictment for pocketing hundreds of thousands of dollars in union funds.
As chosen by The Philadelphia Saint Patrick’s Day Observance Association, the winners of the day were:
Hon. James H.J. Tate Award
Outstanding Organization that Exemplifies the Spirit of the Parade
Sisters of St. Francis of Philadelphia/Neumann University
Msgr. Thomas J. Rilley Award
Outstanding Fraternal Organization
Joseph Fleming Memorial Brigade
George Costello Award
Outstanding Float in the Parade
Cavan Society
Hon. Vincent A. Carroll Award
Outstanding Musical Band
Port Chester NY High School Band
Walter Garvin Award
Outstanding Children’s Irish Dance Group
Rince Ri School of Irish Dance
Marie C. Burns Award
Outstanding Adult Ceili Dance Group
Crossroads School of Irish Dance
Joseph E. Montgomery Award
Outstanding AOH and/or LAOH Divisions
AOH Division 65 Joseph E. Montgomery
Joseph J. “Banjo” McCoy Award
Outstanding Fraternal Organization
St. Gabriel’s Irish Society
James F. Cawley Parade Director’s Award
Outstanding Irish Performance Chosen by the Parade Director
Second Street Irish Society
Father Kevin C. Trautner Award
Outstanding Religious Organization that displays their Irish Heritage
St. Katherine Siena Northeast Philadelphia
Maureen McDade McGrory Award
Outstanding Children’s Dance Group Exemplifying the Spirit of Irish Culture Through Traditional Dance.
Cummins School of Irish Dance
James P. “Jim” Kilgallen Award
Outstanding Organization Involving Charitable Endeavors
AOH / LAOH Division 87
Mary Theresa Dougherty Award
Outstanding Organization Dedicated to Serving the Needs of God’s People
AOH Division 1 Dennis Kelly
Paul J. Phillips Jr. Award
Outstanding Parade Marshal
Ernie Diver
Philip ‘Knute’ Bonner Award
Outstanding organization dedicated to preserving our freedom
Philadelphia Police & Fire Pipes and Drums Band
Joseph J. Bradley Award
Outstanding dance group for originality and artistic interpretation of Irish Dance
McDade / Cara Championship Irish Dancers
More Images from Philly’s Saint Paddy’s Day Parade:
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