March is Irish History Month in Schuylkill County, and the star of the month is the annual Girardville St. Patrick’s Day Parade, now in its 16th year.

During a meeting Wednesday, the Schuylkill County Commissioners issued a proclamation honoring the parade, and the “contributions of all Irish Americans to our county and country.” The parade will be held at noon March 30.

Organizers said that this year’s theme is “Good Times in Girardville” in honor of Girardville’s Good Times Club, a service club in the community for more than 40 years. The proclamation stated that the annual parade has “become a beacon home for individuals and families who have migrated away from the area, as well as many others who long for the old-fashioned hometown celebrations of the past.”