Manhattan Irish Fest Announces Grand Marshals, King And Queen

MANHATTAN, IL — The Grand Marshals and the King and Queen of the 25th annual Manhattan Irish Fest have been announced. According to a release from the fest, John and Barb Kestel have been chosen as the Grand Mashals of the parade. The winners of the Michael J. McHugh Memorial King and Queen Scholarship are Jason Cler and Holly Hildebrand.

According to a release, John served in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War. He was also the commander of the Manhattan American Legion from 2008 to 2018. He currently serves as a commander of an American Legion Honor Guard. Barb is a former school teacher in the Mokena and Frankfort school district. She is also a retired realtor.

The Michael J. McHugh Memorial King and Queen Scholarship is named after McHugh who was a founding member of The Irish American Society of County Will and a life-long Manhattan area resident.

According to a release, Cler and Hildebrand are both students at Lincoln-Way West High School. They will each receive $1,000 scholarship toward the college of their choice.

Cler is the son of David and Laura Cler of Manhattan, and he plans to attend a Big Ten school and major in nursing. According to a release, Cler has been very active during high school, and has been elected president of his class and been a member of the volleyball team for all four years.

Hildebrand is the daughter of Susan Lesniak and Daniel. According to a release, she plans on majoring in physical therapy at Carroll University in Wisconsin. She has been an active member of the Girl Scouts for 13 years and is a certified lifeguard.

The parade will begin at 11 a.m. on March 2 starting on North street and proceeding to State Street. The parade is led by runners participating in the Irish Fest's 5K.

The popular annual festival will be held Friday, March 1 and Saturday, March 2 north of Manhattan Fire Station 81. According to event organizers, the event includes the parade, 5K, kids activities, craft fair, music and more.

Entrance buttons are $7 in advance and $10 at the gate. Net proceeds go back into the community to organizations such as Manhattan Neighborhood Food Pantry; Operation Care Package; Manhattan Youth Athletic Association; Manhattan Fire Department Local 4991; Manhattan Park District; and local rugby clubs.