Irish eyes smiled upon Pottsville on Saturday during the 39th annual St. Patrick's Day Parade.
With warmer temperatures than last year's snowy parade day, the streets were filled with people dressed in the traditional green, one of the colors in Ireland's tri-color flag.
Sponsored by the Ancient Order of Hibernians John F. Kennedy Div. 2, the annual celebration of Irish heritage stepped off at 11 a.m. on West Market Street, led by parade Grand Marshal John "Mouche" McNelis, who last year bid farewell to the parade he helped establish in Girardville.
McNelis, Mahanoy City, originally a member of the AOH John F. Kennedy Div. 2, moved on to become a charter member of the Jack Kehoe Div. 1 in Girardville. For the last 10 years, he has served as chairman of the St. Patrick's Day Parade in Girardville, which has become one of the largest annual celebrations in the region, more than tripling the borough's population on parade day.
Among those dressed for the celebration was Rosalie Kuzma, Girardville, and Lori Cappella, Pottsville, who were dressed as leprechauns and standing outside the Schuylkill County Historical Society.
Dressed in a green coat and hat with gold coin shamrock buttons, Capella said that Kuzma made their costumes.
Kuzma said that they were trying to get people to come to the Irish exhibit at the historical society that also featured Irish famine sculptures that she created.
They were holding pots of gold that contained candy treasures for the children.
Also at the parade was Terry Miller, Pottsville, with his daughter, Vanessa Kreiser, who said it was her first time at the parade.
"We're having a great time," Miller said.
Danielle Ward, Pottsville, could also be seen at the parade with her children, Chase, Beckett, Izabel and Brady Teresavage.
All dressed in green, Ward even had her fingernails painted green in honor of St. Patrick.
"We usually go to the Girardville parade and have never been to this one, so I think we'll have to start coming every year," Ward said.
Other highlights of the parade included St. Patrick, the Pottsville Area and Nativity BVM marching bands, and numerous other organizations.
Before the parade, the day kicked off with Mass at 8 a.m. at St. Patrick Roman Catholic Church, Mahantongo Street, where the deceased members of the men's and ladies' divisions of the AOH were honored.