There will be plenty of music, marchers, and lots and lots of green at the 26th annual Ancient Order of Hibernians Saint Patrick's Day Parade, Tuesday, March 17. The big annual Irish event kicks off at 12:30 p.m. on the saint's feast day, in one of St. Louis’ oldest Irish neighborhoods.
The AOH parades passes through one of St. Louis' oldest Irish neighborhoods in the Clayton/Tamm (Dogtown) area of the city on the south side. Due to construction on I-64 (Hwy 40), the route of the parade has been modified this year. Parade units will assemble on the north side of Oakland Ave. on the east and west sides of Tamm Ave. The units will travel south on Tamm Avenue, past historic St. James the Greater Catholic Church, and disperse at Manchester Avenue.
Prizes are given for Best Float, Best Irish Heritage theme, Best Family Clan and Best Hibernian
Float. The AOH is also sponsoring a contest for the best decorated house on the parade route
(Tamm Avenue).
The 2009 AOH Saint Patrick's Day Parade's Grand Marshal is Fr Jim Byrnes, selected by parade organizers in recognition of his many years of service to the Catholic community and the Ancient Order of Hibernians.
As in previous years St. Louis area firefighters and law enforcement officers will be recognized during the Hibernian parade. The 2007 distinguished honorees are Lt. James Whyte of the St. Louis Metropolitan Police Department, St. Louis County Patrolman Jacob Maechling, St. Louis City Firefighter Leo Kuehner, St. Louis County Fire Chief Chuck Coyne. Also being honored are labor leader Dick Kellett, of Pipe Fitters Local 562, and civic leader Lou Hamilton, of Hamilton and Associates.
The parade, sponsored by the St. Louis City and County Boards of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, was created in 1984 to highlight the many contributions of the Irish people to America.
Also in the interest of public safety, all glass containers will be banned. Police officials will ticket illegally parked vehicles and also will be checking for underage drinking in the Clayton-Tamm area. All business establishments in the neighborhood will close at 8:00 p.m.