The pre-parade festivities associated with the 19th Annual Carbon County St. Patrick’s Day Parade took place on Friday night at the Mahoning Valley Country Club, Mahoning Township, where the parade grand marshal and his aides were formally recognized.

Francis “Snitz” O’Donnell, Jim Thorpe, who will be the guest of honor when the parade kicks off at 1 p.m. Sunday in upper Broadway, Jim Thorpe, was toasted by members of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Alec Campbell Division 1, Carbon County, and the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians, Mollie Maguire Division 1, Carbon County, sponsors of the parade.Also recognized were aides to O’Donnell. Selected by their respective organizations, they include James Clauser, Donald “Hank” Williams, Margaret Diehm and Sheila O’Neil.Donald “Hank” Williams, Margaret Diehm and Sheila O’Neil.Ronald J. Sheehan, Carbon County treasurer and a charter member of the AOH, served as master of ceremonies for last night’s dinner, while presentations to past officers were made by Charles “Chuck” Thamarus, president of the AOH, who also presented the sashes as part of his president’s role.Parade co-chairmen Hugh Dugan and Noel Behan presided during the presentation of the sashes.For Thamarus, however, placing the Green, Orange and White sash over O’Donnell’s shoulders was a special moment.“One of the proudest moments of being president is that I get to present the grand marshal with his sash,” Thamarus said.“This year, not only do I get to put it on the grand marshal, but I also get to put it on my friend, Francie ‘Snitz’ O’Donnell.“Francis is our 19th grand marshal and it is going to make us so proud to have him lead us down Broadway past the reviewing stand.“His dedication to his family and our service veterans has drawn the attention of our parade committee. His nomination and final acceptance has made us all proud and happy.”Among the other highlights of the event were announcements of the AOH Hibernian of the Yeah by Dugan and LAOH Hibernian of the Year by Mary (Figura) Dugan, president of that organization.Named to receive those awards were: Daniel “Deacon” Evans and Mary Kay Malaska.In addition to Thamarus, serving as 2016 AOH officers are: Evans, vice president; Michael; Brennan, recording secretary; Dugan, financial secretary; Behan, treasurer; John Barry, sentinel; Edward Coll, marshal and veterans liaison; Robert Lee, historian; Sheehan, standing committee and press relations; Charles Burnett, missions/charities; and Msgr. John Chizmar, chaplain.The LAOH officers for this year also include: Peggy Sue O’Donnell, vice president; Sharon Choley, recording secretary; Kathleen Ahner, financial secretary and office of correspondence; Bernadette McGinley, treasurer; Jean O’Donnell, sentinel; Bernadette Behan, historian; Kay Carroll, Catholic action; Malaska, missions/charities; Rita O’Donnell, mistress at arms; and Molly Ebbert, Freedom for all Ireland/Immigration and Legislation.The 2016 dinner program was dedicated in memory of Dennis Gallagher, who passed away on April 30, 2015, and John Kane, who died Oct. 15, 2015.Parade-related festivities will continue this afternoon at 4:30 at Immaculate Conception Catholic Church, Jim Thorpe, where the pastor, the Rev. James Ward, will celebrate Mass, bless the grand marshal, aides and past and present officers for the AOH and the LAOH, and offer remembrances to officers and members of the organizations who have passed away since the 2015 parade.