Columbus St. Patrick’s Day parade returns after two-year hiatus
On a sunny and unusually warm Thursday morning, John Sullivan and David Celebrezze were ready to rock.
Well, rock their bagpipes and drums, at least.
The two stood on Discovery Bridge on St. Patrick’s Day with other members of the Shamrock Club of Columbus Pipes and Drums band as they participated in a brief but loud warm-up session.
Sullivan, 57, of Plain City, said he was glad to be back at the Downtown holiday parade put on by the Shamrock Club after a two-year hiatus due to the pandemic and couldn’t wait to play later, too, at a celebration with other pipe bands.
“This is fantastic, especially with the (Irish) Family Reunion happening,” Sullivan said, referring to an event taking place at the Greater Columbus Convention Center. “It’s fun to play with other pipers and drummers.”
Celebrezze, 46, said one of the reasons why he enjoys playing the bagpipes is because it can bring out multiple emotions for listeners.
“It’s an instrument that can make you cry, make you dance,” the Clintonville resident said. “And it only has nine notes!”
Hosted by the Shamrock Club of Columbus, the parade began at West Broad Street and Washington Boulevard and eventually ended at the convention center. Participants, other than the bagpipes and drums included Irish dance troupes, floats, members from the Columbus police and fire departments and the Ohio State School for the Blind marching band.
Luck of the Irish
Also in the parade was Morey Brady, who was the 2021 parade marshal. Since there was no event last year, the Westerville resident got to appear in the procession along with this year’s marshal, Tim McSweeney.
Brady, 85, a member of the Shamrock Club, said it was an honor.
“This is great,” he said of the event. “It’s quite a celebration for the community.”
As the parade began, Brandy and David Rankin walked down Broad Street in their green shirts and beaded necklaces.
Brandy Rankin, 38, said participating in the parade has been a family tradition for years, as they are part of the Shamrock Club. She grew up going to parade while living in Columbus, but now lives in Tuppers Plains in southern Ohio. She said her family planned to continue the celebration after the parade with a corned beef and cabbage dinner at her grandmother’s house.
“It’s beautiful weather, and it’s awesome seeing everyone together,” she said.
Meanwhile, Dee Pyles watched the parade from High Street. Showing off her Irish heritage, she wore green pants; green necklaces and bracelets; and a green headband with streamers. The Ostrander resident brought her mother, Faye Hovatter, and neighbor Peggy Bohn and her two young daughters, who were also decked out in green gear.
“We do the Dublin parade a lot since it’s closer to us, but this year this worked out better for us,” Pyles, 60, said.
She said she enjoyed seeing Columbus police and the bagpipe players in the parade. Pyles said she would partake in her annual tradition of making a brisket, cabbage and pumpernickel bread dinner tonight.
But first, the group planned to go to Dublin later in the day for the city’s St. Patrick’s Day Family Celebration from 4:30 to 7 p.m. A parade was scheduled for March 12, but the event was canceled due to expected bad weather.
Micah Walker is the Dispatch trending reporter. Reach her at [email protected] or 740-251-7199. Follow her on Twitter
@micah_walker701.
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