Changes are coming as organizers look to expand Pottsville’s annual St. Patrick’s Day parade into a tourist destination.
The March 16 parade will begin at noon from 12th Street, allowing those indulging in the Grand Marshal Buffet Breakfast at Pottsville Zone more time to unwind, organizers said at a meeting Monday.
Mass at St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church will begin at 8 a.m., with the buffet breakfast taking place from 9 to 11. Tickets will cost $20.
This year will welcome a new student art competition with cash prizes among two age group categories: kindergarten through third grade and fourth to eighth grade.
To register, email stpatsparade@yahoo.com.
Artwork must be turned in with the student’s name, grade level and school on the back of their submission by March 1. Local businesses will display submissions throughout the month by school district.
The goal of it all? To increase foot traffic for a Pottsville tradition.
“I really think it is a community event and it is something that people should enjoy,” said Dan Koury, AOH financial secretary. “ … There’s a lot of potential, and Pottsville hasn’t seen that yet.”
Organizers are still accepting donations for this year’s parade. Shortcomings meant the group had to cut the mummers out of the schedule — costs for the Philadelphia-based group would have been around $6,500, Kimberly Leaswitch said.
“Sponsorship is down from last year,” Lori Michael said.
Still, the group hopes to continue building off the parade. Koury said he thinks the attendance for this year’s Winterfest is proof they can.
“I mean, there’s so much Pottsville has historically to offer — so much Irish history, and stuff like that, in this town,” Koury said. “There really is a lot of potential. There’s people that are looking for a place, and where better to get it?”
Source: Berkshire mont
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