PARADE AWARD DESCRIPTIONS  2025

Hon James H. J. Tate Award
Award given to the group that best exemplifies the Spirit of the Parade


Msgr. Thomas J. Rilley Award
Award given to the Outstanding Marching Unit of Fraternal Organizations


George Costello Award
Award given to the organization with an Outstanding Float


Vincent A. Carroll Award
Award given to an Outstanding Music Unit, excluding grade school


Anthony J. Ryan Award
Award given to an Outstanding Grade School Band


Walter Garvin Award
Award given to an Outstanding Children's Irish Dance Group


Marie C. Burns Award
Award given to an Outstanding Adult Dance Group


Joseph E. Montgomery Award
Award given to an outstanding AOH and/or LAOH Divisions


Joseph J. “Banjo” McCoy Award
Award given to an outstanding Fraternal Organization


James F. Cawley Parade Director’s Award
Award given to an Organization for an Outstanding Irish Performance or Display


Father Kevin C. Trautner Award
Award given to an outstanding School or Religious Organization that displays their Irish Heritage while promoting Christian Values


Maureen McDade McGrory Award
Award given to an Outstanding Children's Irish Dance Group Exemplifying the Spirit of Irish Culture through Traditional Dance


James P. "Jim" Kilgallen Award
Award given to an Outstanding organization that best exemplifies the preservation of Irish-American unity through charitable endeavors to assist those less fortunate at home and abroad.


Mary Theresa Dougherty Award
Award given to an outstanding organization dedicated to serving the needs of God's people in the community.


Paul J. Phillips Jr. Award
Award given to the outstanding parade marshal.


Phillip 'Knute' Bonner Award
Award given to the outstanding organization dedicated to preserve our freedom and protect us through sacrifice and compassion for others.

CRITERIA FOR PARADE JUDGING
Appearance
Orderly marching, walking; Appropriate attire (uniform, Irish, etc.).
Music
Irish or Theme Related; Live Band.
Dance
Presentation - Costumes, Uniformity.
Form
Presentation at reviewing stand; orderly, time limit, line formation, professional.
Theme
Is the theme of the Parade displayed? How is this presented?
Scoring
5 points is the highest in each category

Maximum Score is 25 Points Total

Each judge scores each group individually. Total scores of each judge for each category are discussed, and comments are shared regarding the criteria. Total highest points combined is the winner.

Floats are usually associated with an organization, but each float is judged independently of this group. Comments are especially important in this area as to the details such as painting, music, appearance, portrayal of theme.

Bands that are not signed up as independent marching units, are not eligible for awards, but are considered part of a group, when judging an entire group.