BOARDMAN — The 42nd annual Mahoning Valley St. Patrick’s Day Parade is March 15, stepping off at 1 p.m. and proceeding north on Market Street from McClurg Road to Southwoods Avenue.

The annual event is touted as “the Valley’s Biggest Parade.” Sponsors this year will again be the Mahoning Valley Irish Organizations, 21-WFMJ TV and The Vindicator.

The theme of the parade this year is “Irish Heritage … Rooted Deep in the Valley.”

The expected two-hour parade will consist of an estimated 12 divisions comprised of a variety of honor guards, veteran and civic groups, elected officials and a projected six or so bands. If it happens to be a nice day, a crowd of 10,000 or more spectators may be in attendance, organizers said.

Trophies will be awarded at the post parade party held immediately following the parade at the Operating Engineers Hall on McClurg Road.

The grand marshal for this year’s parade is Bill Lawson, executive director of the Mahoning Valley Historical Society. The Ockerman Award recipient is Kurt Hilderbrand. Lord Mayor of Kilkenny is Judge Scott Hunter.

Leading the parade will be the Shamrock balloon, the Boardman Spartans High School Marching Band and the Boardman Township trustees.

The Edward J. Reese Family Reviewing Stand will be near the north end of the route and located at the corner of Market Street and Boardman Boulevard.

Master of Ceremonies at the reviewing stand will be Mahoning Valley television and radio personality Casey Malone.

The Shaffer Brothers will perform at the post parade party.

The parade route will avoid the St. Elizabeth Boardman Hospital facility on McClurg Road, which will remain accessible throughout the entire parade as will the township facilities.

news@tribtoday.com