Lions Club Saint Pat's parade plans reset

The potential threat of severe weather — including heavy rain, hail and tornadoes — on Tuesday prompted the local Lions Club to alter its plans for the annual Saint Patrick’s Day parade.

Club member and event organizer Jill Jordan Gilbert said the predicted inclement weather necessitated the parade’s move to 5:30 p.m., Thursday, March 24.

“The decision to shift the parade to Thursday came down to making sure we could have good weather and that people could safely participate,” Gilbert added. “From everything we saw, Tuesday looked like it was going to be a total wash-out.”

The celebration will take place in downtown Meadville with parade participants lining up at Franklin County High School beginning at 5 p.m.

The route will take the procession up the hill from the high school toward the Armory, going west along Main Street, turning onto Walnut Street by the Extension Service office and coming back to the school on Second Street.

Floats, bikes, horses, four-wheelers, cars, trucks, strollers and any other type of transportation is welcome to take part.

Beads and candy can be thrown by participants.

No entry fee is required to take part the parade.

The Pride of Franklin County Marching Band and the Franklin County High School Junior ROTC program will also be participating in this year’s festivities.

For details on the parade, call Gilbert at 601-810-2532 or fellow Lions Club member Morgan Halford Poore at 601-384-7263.