Springfield St. Patrick's Parade Committee honors citizens who contribute to the Irish community of Springfield.
Springfield- Springfield St. Patrick's Parade Committee award winners. From left, Alesia Barbaro, Alan Siok, Ellie Longtin, John Goonan and Thomas Sullivan, President of the Committee.
SPRINGFIELD — Several long-time supporters of the Springfield St. Patrick's Parade Committee received awards for their service Sunday at the John Boyle O' Reilly Club.
Committee president Thomas Sullivan said the honorees were selected because of their dedication to the Irish community and their willingness to help out.
Edward Noonan, the owner of Noonan Energy, was named the Springfield Parade Marshall.
Noonan could not attend the event, but Sullivan said he was pleased with the award.
Alesia Barbaro and Ellie Longtin will share the Paul G. Caron Award. The award is given in memory of the founder of the Springfield Colleen Contest.
Both Barbaro and Longtin said they were thrilled with the committee's decision.
"I don't have any children of my own, so I really enjoy working with the girls," Barbaro said of the Colleen contestants.
John Goonan was awarded the John and Agnes Burke Award, presented for outstanding service to the Irish community in Springfield.
Edward Noonan, owner Noonan Energy in Springfield.
Goonan, who was raised in Chicopee and has lived in Springfield most of his adult life, said he is thankful for the award.
"I like to help out whenever I can. And I really like raffles, so if anyone is selling tickets I will always buy some," he said.
The Mary B. Troy Appreciation Award was given to Alan and Paul Siok, owners of Siok and Son Farms in Ludlow.
Although they are not residents of Springfield, the couple donate their services to create a float for the Colleens every year and also donate the truck to haul the float.
Alan Siok attended the event and said they are always happy to help their community.
Sullivan said the awards are the first sign that March and the parade in Holyoke are soon approaching.
"All of the events leading up to the parade are a lot of fun and this one is special because we get to honor people who really contribute to our community and are proud of their Irish heritage," he said. "And even if they are not Irish, they are people who care about the community and want to help."