x
Breaking News
More () »

Girardville St. Patrick’s Parade Postponed to Next Month

GIRARDVILLE, Pa. — The spring snowstorm that hit our area Wednesday is being blamed for postponing a St. Patrick’s Parade planned for this weekend i...

GIRARDVILLE, Pa. -- The spring snowstorm that hit our area Wednesday is being blamed for postponing a St. Patrick's Parade planned for this weekend in Schuylkill County.

Local businesses are gearing up for Girardville's Irish parade, a staple in the community for 15 years.

"Everybody gets excited about it. It's really good for the community. It's once a year and it really helps out the local businesses," said Will Balkiewicz of Balky's Quarts and Six Packs.

But there's a problem. The parade has been postponed because of snow.

Girardville's parade committee met Thursday morning and decided to delay the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade set for this Saturday.

"It's a decision we didn't want to have to make," said parade manager Don Dudash.

The parade was scheduled for Saturday, but this week's snowstorm dumped nearly a foot of snow in the area.

The concern is snow mounds in the street and icy sidewalks would keep people from being able to park and walk safely during the parade.

"You have to watch out for the people that are going to be in the parade. the people that are going to be in the parade. you want them to be safe," said parade coordinator Joanne Kitsock.

Newswatch 16 spoke to the Girardville mayor who says the borough cannot afford to pay for snow removal along the parade route in time for the parade.

Parade committee members say the decision was not an easy one, especially since the parade had to be postponed last year for the same reason.

"It is so much work when you have to build a parade up and get it all set and then have to call everybody, tear it down and then build it back up two weeks later," Dudash said.

As disappointing as it may be, community members are thankful the committee took action and kept the safety of the paradegoers in mind.

"I'm disappointed, but for the safety of the people and parking and someone falling, I think they did the right thing," said Ruth Ann Opuda.

The parade will now take place April 14.

Before You Leave, Check This Out