Mahoning Valley St. Patrick's Day parade is once again canceled

It's official: This year's Mahoning Valley St. Patrick's Day parade is once again canceled.

"I don't even believe we'd be allowed the license to close the roads," said Organizer Casey Malone. "We are following the state guidelines and I just can't see it lightening up by March."

The 2020 parade was one of the first events to get called-off last year because of the pandemic, but this time around organizers have a back-up idea in mind.

"We are going to ask all of those wonderful families that come out every year and support the parade to hold their own parade in their neighborhoods," said Malone. "Where they can social distance, they can tailgate in their parking lots, have the kids decorate their bikes, their cars, throw candy and drive around the block, and then send their video to our Facebook page."

The video that receives the most "likes" will win $150 dollars, second place will receive $100 and third place will receive $50.

"That way we will all still be engaged," said Malone. "It will all take place on March 14th and 1:00 p.m. when the parade should step off and then that way at least we will all be together in spirit."

For more information on how to take part and to submit a video, visit www.mvstpatrickparade.com. Information will be posted in the coming days.