With typical Irish resolve and spirit, members of the Pearl River Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) did not let concern over new Covid variants spoil Christmas for those with special needs. For the second year in a row, the men in women of the AOH along with OMM Buddyball ,with the support of the Orangeburg Fire and Police Departments and several local community organizations, hosted a “Reverse Christmas Parade” at the Orangetown Soccer Complex.
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 Soccer Complex into a Christmas Wonderland and even imported some traditional Irish Christmas weather. Attendees drove through stopping at various stations where there 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 and captured the true meaning of Christmas.
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