Ronan goes green for annual parade

At 5:30 p.m. Monday, it was the bearable sort of overcast, windy and cold March day that people normally avoid if they can. most of the time.

However, the people of Lake County didn’t seem to notice the blustery weather as they lined Main Street in Ronan, decked head to toe in green for the 36th annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

The anticipation for this year's festivities was palpable with kids and parents alike responding enthusiastically as a multitude of floats made their way down the street. The procession was led by the Honor Guard, and included the famous green horse – a fixture in the parade – floats from businesses decked out in green and gold, bagpipers, a crew of motorcyclists and more.

The parade had “a great turnout this year – the community is so amazing,” said Christy Bockman, one of the event organizers. “Everyone loves a parade.”

The Greenest Float and Best Overall awards went to O’Leary’s Ol’ Ladies. Other winners were: Most Irish — Eire Avengers; Best Irish Animal — Templers; Greenest Sports Team — Ronan Wrestling Club; Best Kids Float — 4-H; Pub Wars — Pheasant Lounge; and Biggest Shamrocks — 2nd Chance Saloon.

TRIC (The Ronan Irish Community) expressed gratitude to all the St. Patrick's Day Parade participants, judges, and spectators "who so faithfully attended the 36th year of this event."

The parade was full of smiles and fun because, according to Bockman, “On St. Patrick's Day everybody is at least a little Irish!”

    The Buffalo Gals Market showed off a rainbow along with their green and gold on their float this year. (Kaleb Unger/Leader)
  

    Motorcycles with green made their way down the street at the Ronan St. Patrick's Day Parade. (Kaleb Unger/Leader)
  

    The famous green horse makes its way down the street during the Ronan St. Patrick's Day Parade. (Kaleb Unger/Leader)