Spreading green in Youngstown
Small-scale parades take off in Youngstown
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YOUNGSTOWN -- While a large St. Patrick's Day parade had to be canceled again this year because of the coronavirus pandemic, neighborhoods in Youngstown decided to have their own mini parades.
Residents of the city's 4th and 5th Wards teamed up to have a parade coordinated by 4th Ward Councilman Michael Ray and 5th Ward Councilwoman Lauren McNally.
About 20 decorated vehicles gathered Sunday afternoon in the parking lot at Westside Bowl on Mahoning Avenue and traveled throughout the two wards on the city's West Side, including Fellows Riverside Gardens in Mill Creek Park and Rocky Ridge near the park's Wick Recreation Area.
Ray said many people were disappointed the annual Mahoning Valley St. Patrick's Day Parade in Boardman couldn't take place for the second year. Last year's parade was canceled just days before it was to take place and was among the first events to be canceled because of statewide shutdowns that began a week earlier.
"We wanted to do what we could safely for the public. We asked people to decorate their vehicles, wear a mask and be festive. There are several neighborhoods doing mini neighborhood parades in different parts of the city, and they can upload videos of what they did today to Facebook," Ray said.
Among the participants was the Rocky Ridge Neighborhood Association and the Garden District Neighborhood Association, which had vehicles in the parade.
McNally said several children, including her own, helped make St. Patrick's Day signs that were put on the side of cars and trucks.
"We both have participated in the parade in Boardman for many years," Ray said.
After the parade, the group was going to have pickle pizza at Westside Bowl.
Several parents brought their children to the parade.
"They are excited to be here and very happy. Everyone is staying safe,'' Kerry Kos of Youngstown said.
"This was something we could do for the neighborhoods," Breen McNally, Lauren's husband, said.
Clare McNally, 5, and Maddie Kos, 7, who were dancing to music, helped make signs for the sides of the vehicles, The two rode in the McNally family's truck.
Kos said they waved to people as they traveled along the streets.
"It's awesome to be outside for this on a beautiful day. It's a safe way to still enjoy the holiday," Julie Green of Girard, a Youngstown native said.
Laura Carey of Girard took part in the parade after being invited by her niece, Lauren McNally.
"It's always a fun day to celebrate being Irish," she said.
Shannon Lehn of Austintown said she and other members of the Ladies of Ancient Order of Hibernians Mahoning Valley took part in the parade helping to decorate several vehicles.
"This is a great event to be part of for St. Patrick's Day,'' she said.
bcoupland@tribtoday.com