NORFOLK, Va. — NORFOLK, Va. – For 59 years, the Ocean View St. Patrick’s Day Parade has filled the streets with a sea of green, with many locals tell News 3 it was "the best day of the year" last weekend.
Behind the decades of tradition and community pride, stands a core group of volunteers — many of whom are members of the nearby Columbian Club.
That group includes one father-son duo who have made the event a family affair.
Barry Clark Sr. and his son, Barry Clark Jr., have been volunteering together for more than 30 years.
Clark Jr. says he started helping when he was about ten years old. Now 44, he has grown up with the parade.
“It was always something that I just had fun with,” he said, reflecting on his years of volunteering. “How the community interacts with the parade.”
As the event has grown, so have the Clarks' responsibilities. They are in charge of the crucial task of organizing the participants before the first step-off.
"We line up all the participants," Clark Sr. explained. "I have about 30 people down at Northside Middle School that will guide the people, line the people up into different sections."
Their dedication is not built on the ‘luck of the Irish,’ but on consistent hard work.
In recognition of their long-standing service, the two were named this week’s News 3 Everyday Heroes. They were presented with a $425 Visa gift card from the program's partner, Southern Bank, which increased its typical donation to celebrate its 125th anniversary.
True to form, the Clarks were quick to share the recognition with their fellow volunteers.
“Most of these guys have been doing it for as long as I have,” said Clark Sr. “It’s a family affair. My son is working it and a lot of other sons are working it. Even their daughters.”
The legacy is set to continue. Barry Clark Jr.’s son is just a few years away from being old enough to join the family tradition.
“To be able to see the parade grow the way that it has for so many years now, it’s just really good to see,” Clark Jr. said.
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