Submitted photo / J. David McChesney... Grand Marshal Dr. John Cox greets family during the Mahoning County St. Patrick's Day parade Sunday.

BOARDMAN — Mike Hurl’s attendance at a longtime popular area parade is steeped in tradition that’s perhaps as straightforward as his green hair was curly.

“I’ve been here for 15 years. I’m always in the same spot; it never changes,” Hurl, of Boardman, said.

Decked out in an afro-style wig of light-green, curly hair complemented with the same color of mustache, Hurl gathered near a small tent with family members and friends. They were among the several thousand people of all ages who lined both sides of Market Street for Sunday’s 45th annual Mahoning Valley St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

An estimated 100 entries were in this year’s 90-minute parade, themed “The Irish Heart … Serving the Valley.” The 1.5-mile procession began near McClurg Road and proceeded north to Southwoods Avenue.

Serving as masters of ceremonies were former Youngstown Mayor John A. McNally and Edward J. Reese, chief executive officer with EDM Management Inc.

Adding to the joyful festivities for Hurl was being with his granddaughter, Marah, 1, who came with her mother, Emily Kmetz, and didn’t seem fazed by the overcast conditions and temperatures in the mid-30s.

Family, friends and tradition were the key reasons Hurl cited for his presence each year at the parade in many types of weather. By all accounts, it appears that won’t change anytime soon.

“We love it, we love it,” he added. “We’ll come forever, or for as long as we can.”

“I don’t remember those times, but since I was a teenager, I remember more,” Kmetz said, referring to her early and more recent associations with the beloved parade.

The event also gave Anthony Gibson of Niles, and his 3-year-old son, Jerecko Gibson, an opportunity to engage in a friendly father-son sword “fight,” with Jerecko holding a nearly solid light-green “weapon.”

“We come yearly,” Anthony Gibson said. “(Jerecko’s) uncle is in the parade as a cat for the Purple Cat. We come here every year to see him off, and for the kids to get candy.”

Also excited to be among those on Market Street were Keith Cochrane of Boardman, who braved the cold with younger daughter, Lia, 13. She wore a pair of green glasses, green beads, green cap and light-green cufflinks that flashed and glowed.

The main attraction for this father-daughter duo was seeing a family member pass by, with a musical instrument in hand.

“My 16-year-old daughter is in the (Boardman High School marching) band,” Keith said about his daughter, Kylee. “She plays the clarinet.”

In addition to the Purple Cat, a 20-year-old organization that provides day-program alternatives for adults with various challenges, others represented in the parade included several local TV and radio stations, high school marching bands, Boy Scout and Cub Scout units, fire and police departments and nursing care facilities.

Also part of the pageantry were Hospice of the Valley, the Carousel Center Workshop, Touch the Moon Candy Saloon, the Youngstown Playhouse, the DeBartolo Corp., Cocca’s Pizza, Masco Inc., Pet Lodge USA of Boardman, Sleep in Heavenly Peace and the Youngstown Shrine Club Inc.

This year’s grand marshal was Dr. John C. Cox, a Canfield-based pediatrician. In addition, Mary Jane Vennitti was Lord Mayor of Kilkenny, and Brian Kelly was the recipient of the Ockerman Award.

Offering her assessment of this year’s parade and festivities was Joyce Kale-Pesta, parade past president and current trustee, who said she was pleased with the floats that had been entered, as well as the turnout. She also expressed gratitude regarding the number of high school bands that took part.

“As cold as it is, I’m always amazed by how many people come out,” Kale-Pesta said, adding, “It’s hard to get bands, because this is concert season, not marching season.”

Following the parade was an after-party at the International Union of Operating Engineers Local 66 building on McClurg Road.