Ronan dressed up in green for St. Patrick's Day
KRISTI NIEMEYER | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 2 years, 7 months AGO
Kristi Niemeyer learned her newspaper licks at weekly newspapers, beginning at the Mission Valley News in 1981, then at the helm of the Ronan Pioneer and, eventually, as co-editor of the Lake County Leader until 1993. She launched and co-published Lively Times, a statewide arts and entertainment monthly, before returning to the Leader in 2022, and serving as its editor until July 2026. Reach her at [email protected] | March 21, 2024 12:00 AM
A profusion of green sprouted along Main Street in Ronan Saturday afternoon as spectators and parade participants alike paid homage to St. Patrick – the patron saint of Ireland.
The Honor Guard led the lineup, followed by horseback riders (including the traditional green horse), a large array of green-hued floats, the Great Scott Bagpipes, a few motorcyclists and fancy cars, and a brigade of emergency vehicles, with a leprechaun perched atop the ladder truck.
The Ronan Irish Community (TRIC) sponsors the well-attended annual affair, which was praised by organizer Carlene Bockman for “incredible and enthusiastic participants.”
Bockman offered “a big shout-out” to the many entries, parade judges, security, and spectators. She also expressed appreciation to those who dropped money in donation boxes to help defray costs.
“Even the weather was an awesome contributor,” she said.
This year’s winners are:
Best Irish Animal – Golden Templer
Best Kids – Two Eagle River School
Most Irish – Great Scott Bagpipes
Green Team – Ronan Wrestling
Most Likely to go to Jail – O'Leary's Old Ladies
Biggest Shamrocks – Cheers Bar
Most Likely to Cause a Riot – Pheasant Bar
Pub Wars – 2nd Chance Saloon
Best Overall – Tenas Day Care
Remember, Bockman added, "if you're lucky enough to be Irish (or wanna be) then you're lucky enough!”
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