St. Patrick's Day is a day of fun, laughter, singing and parades. It is also a religious holiday, honoring the memory of the patron saint of Ireland, St. Patrick. Of course different cities have different traditions. In most of Ireland it is only a solemn day, with prayer services and quiet reflection.

Chicago turns their river green and New York has been marching for almost 200 years. Savannah, Georgia boasts one of the largest parades anywhere and Boston's huge Irish population parties hearty all day long.

And then there's Cleveland! We are hosting our 138th parade this year. Cleveland celebrates St. Patrick's Day with great gusto. On March 18th, The United Irish Societies starts planning the next parade, making each one bigger and better than the last.

Among the participants are the award-winning units from the East Side Irish American Club, the West Side Irish American Club and the Heritage Club as well as various dance companies, schools, marching bands, pipe bands, drill teams, pom pom units, antique cars, clowns, floats, and lots, lots more.

The United Irish Societies honorees for this year's are as follows:

• Grand Marshall - Helen Malloy;
• Irish Mother of the Year - Patricia Campbell;
• Co-Chair - Linda Hannon;
• Co-Chair - Kevin McGinty.

Helen is only the second woman in the 138 year history of the Parade to be the Grand Marshall. The first was Lonnie McCauley in 2001.

The Parade starts at East 18th and Euclid Avenue and proceeds west on Euclid to East Roadway of Public Square, north on East Roadway to Superior, east on Superior (where it will pass the Reviewing Stand at Liberty Park) to East 6th Street, north on East 6th Street and disbands at Rockwell Avenue.

This year, St. Patrick's Day is on a Thursday. The parade will step off at 1:04. Both the East and West Side Clubs start their festivities with a well-attended and uplifting Mass. The West Side Club holds their Mass at St. Coleman's and the East Side Club holds their Mass at St. Williams.

You don't have to be Irish to enjoy the festivities and the camaraderie that make St. Patrick's Day so special. Come on down to the Parade and celebrate with over 100,000 people who show up every year! Put on something green, pin a shamrock on your lapel and get in the party mood.

Raise your glass and toast to the Emerald Isle and the beautiful people who come from there! Here are a few toasts to help you get started:

The Parade will be broadcast live this year on two stations - WUAB Channel 43 and The Adelphia Station. (Channel 15 or 45 depending on your Cable)