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Spencerport resident works to make
St. Patty's Parade successful She has traced her ancestry back for many decades and hasn't found even a hint of Irish, but that won't stop Dawn M. Short from a traditional St. Patrick's Day celebration. The Spencerport resident, and 1992 graduate of Spencerport High School, is the vice chair of the Rochester St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee and will be marching as the parade's Deputy Grand Marshal. Short said she first became involved with the parade three years ago while working with the Rochester Philharmonic Orchestra. Short, who is an avid volunteer and works behind the scenes for the Leukemia Society, the Rochester City Ballet, the Lilac Festival, the RPO and the Association for Women in Communication, said she was drawn into the parade after a phone conversation with Parade Committee Chairman Tom Fitzpatrick. "I asked him how people get involved with the parade," said Short. "He said 'they have to be invited by me to participate, Dawn would you help us out?' " Short said she was immediately interested and began working on organizing and promoting the Celtic Family Fair, an event that runs in conjunction with the parade. The family fair was a huge success, drawing about 3,000 parents and children, and the following year Short was asked to step up into a leadership role. This year, as vice chair, Short is responsible for the 'advanced operations behind the parade,' promoting the event and also some fundraising. The St. Patrick's Day Parade does not receive city funding and therefore relies on the generosity of local businesses. Short said nearly 120 organizations are scheduled to march in the parade, which this year carries a theme of celebrating Rochester's Irish American athletes. Many sports dignitaries and local teams will be marching. There are still some spots available for interested organizations. The cost to participate for a not-for-profit is $25. "It is a wonderful way for groups to get out there and be exposed to 10,000 to 12,000 people, for much less than other forms of advertising," said Short. In her capacity as a Deputy Grand Marshal, Short will be marching for about half a block before returning to her work behind the scenes. She will be accompanying Sarah Jane Clifford, Citizen of the Year, the owner of the Gymnastics Training Center and a Special Olympic official. Other honored marchers include: Grand Marshall: Dr. Katherine E. Keough, President of St. John Fisher College; Community Leader of the Year: Monroe County Sheriff Patrick M. O'Flynn; Business Leader of the Year: Robert Malley, founder and owner of the Highland Park Diner and Donuts Delite; Deputy Grand Marshal: Mare Millow, assistant director of marketing, Geva Theatre Center. The Celtic Family Fair is held March 15 (the same day as the parade) from 11 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. at the Four Points Sheraton. The day is filled with family Irish-style fun for $2 per person. |