With typical Irish resolve and spirit, members of AOH Division 3, Pearl River, NY did not let concern over new Covid variants spoil Christmas for those with special needs.  For the second year in a row, members of the AOH and LAOH along with OMM Buddyball, and with the support of the Orangeburg Fire and Police Departments and several local community organizations, hosted a “Reverse Christmas Parade.”

[ngg src=”galleries” ids=”8″ exclusions=”140,135,142″ sortorder=”140,135,154,149,138,148,145,147,144,151,153,150,152,136,139,132,133,134,141,137,142,146,143″ display=”basic_slideshow” gallery_width=”640″ gallery_height=”480″ transition_style=”slide” order_by=”sortorder”]

The Hibernians have for many years hosted a Christmas party for those with special needs, both children and adults.  Covid concerns last year made an indoor party untenable, so with a bit of Celtic creativity, the Hibernians developed the idea of the “Reverse Christmas Parade”.  Volunteers turned the parking lot of the OMM Soccer Complex into a Christmas Wonderland and even imported some traditional Irish Christmas weather. Attendees drove through stopping at various stations where there were activities, music, and treats to be enjoyed all from the safety of their cars concluding with a visit with the Big Man himself.

It would be difficult to say who had the broadest smile, the children or the volunteers! The event epitomized the true meaning of Christmas.