The rain and gale force winds might have kept the average person indoors this past Saturday. But weather conditions has never stopped the Village of St. James from coming together to celebrate the St. Patrick’s Day Parade. Pipers and Marching Bands, Fire Trucks, Scout Troops, Dance Groups, Floats and antique Cars made way down Lake Avenue from Woodlawn to Railroad Avenue in the towns biggest parade of the year.
St. James Native, Kerry Maher has served as Director of St. James’ St. Patrick’s Day Parade for 11 years running. The proud mother of two attests to her family being her happy helpers in setting up this years parade, despite the weather. As Director of the Parade Kerry has embraced Mother Nature’s wild mood swings, dealing with a nor’Easter, a blizzard, rain downpours,subzero temperatures and beautiful 70 degree weather, which keeps it interesting for the Veteran over the years. Over 75 various organizations, local businesses and groups participate in the parade each year. Although Saturday’s weather was less than ideal, the parade went on without a hitch!
“I try to get all the businesses and organizations involved, making sure that they are the stars of the day as they showcase their business’ in the towns biggest parade! Actually at the end of the day everyone who participated enjoyed it. – Kerry Maher
The Grand Marshalls of this years parade were the Caliguri Family, owners of Patio Pizza, an iconic staple to this town. Patio Pizza has been a successful restaurant for over 38 years, serving our community entirely, bringing jobs to the youth of St. James and serving generations with consistently excellent Italian Cuisine. In fact, many residents have joked that you are not a real St. James native, until your photo is up on the Caliguri family wall of memories next to the register at Patio Pizza.
Many a resident of the St. James Village, this editor included, would refer to the Maher’s as the first family of St. James. It would be a challenge to find a member of the community who didn’t have a pivotal memory or chapter of one’s life where one or more of the Maher Clan was not present by one’s side. Whether Kenny Sr. is baptizing children or marrying couples, Betty is advocating to help with one of your causes or Kerry and Ken Jr. are coaching the youth of St. James, or holding your hand during a families saddest hours… The Maher’s have truly stood out within the community as friends, mentors and champions to the good people of St. James. Kerry has delivered wonderful memories 11 years running as the St. Patrick’s Day Parade Director, even in less than decent weather. We look forward to many more years of great parades under her leadership.