County Steps Clear of Parade Controversy: Only 1 Scheduled
Unlike Los Angeles where Irish groups are fighting over who is hosting the “official” St. Patrick’s Day parade, only Mission Viejo in Orange County is planning a parade to celebrate the occasion.
The parade, the 16th annual staged by Mission Viejo residents, will begin at noon Saturday at the intersection of O’Neill Road and Marguerite Parkway.
Municipal Advisory Councilwoman Marilyn McDougal said Mission Viejo Nadadores Swim Club coaches Ron O’Brian and Mark Shubert will serve as parade grand marshals. Two members of the swim club, Wendy Wyland, an Olympic diving silver medalist, and Michelle Mitchell, a swimming gold medalist, will also attend.
County Supervisor Bruce Nestande also will participate in the festivities.
While no other cites in Orange County are planning parades, officials said area residents would probably stage their own small celebrations. The Catholic Diocese of Orange also said that no celebration was planned but that parishes are free to plan individual gatherings to commemorate St. Patrick’s Day festivities.
In Corona in Riverside County, a St. Pat’s Day parade will start at 1 p.m. Sunday on 6th Street.
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