Larry Vetter named grand marshal of 35th Hornell St. Patrick's Day parade. Here's why.
The “most organized, unorganized parade known to man" has its leader.
Mayor John Buckley Tuesday named Larry Vetter, the former executive director of the Hornell Housing Authority and a long-time pioneer for community causes and opportunity, grand marshal of the 35th annual St. Patrick’s Day parade on Saturday.
"It is fitting for Larry to lead the parade, as it seems like in many of the endeavors he undertakes, he ends up in a leadership position, carving the path of hope, growth, and community spirit," Buckley said.
Vetter led Hornell Housing Authority for 32 years
Vetter and his wife, Anne, moved to Hornell in 1978, raising six children.
As the mayor tells it, Vetter is known to say, “The best decision I ever made for my family was to move them to Hornell.”
Vetter was the Housing Authority executive director from 1978 to 2010, leading an effort to support individuals and families seeking an essential need: a place to live.
Vetter's involvement in the Maple City has ranged from membership on numerous municipal and community boards to coaching youth basketball at the Hornell YMCA for more than four decades.
“He was instrumental in teaching Hornell’s youth not only the game of basketball, but also about character, leadership, respect for self and others, work ethic and sportsmanship," said Vetter's daughter, Laura.
Vetter served on the Hornell School Board, the YMCA Board of Directors, the St. James Mercy Hospital Board of Directors and with the United Way of the Southern Tier and the Hornell Chapter of Ancient Order of Hibernians.
More: How Hornell will celebrate St. Patrick's Day on March 16: Rundown for parade, activities
Vetter has also been active with the Hornell Chamber of Commerce, the Sisters of Mercy Development Board, Steuben County Workforce Development and the St. Ann’s Church Parish Council.
Buckley announces the grand marshal a few days before the iconic parade, selecting individuals who have made a positive and lasting impact on Hornell.
“Larry is one of several dedicated people who contribute to and help define our community,” Buckley said.
Line up and start times for Hornell St. Patrick's Day parade
Groups and individuals do not have to register to participate in the parade. The line up will begin at 10:30 a.m. on Genesee Street near Community Bank. Marching will begin at 11, with a route down Seneca, then east on Main Street, ending at The Main Place.
The weather outlook for Saturday parade-goers is positive. AccuWeather is predicting periods of sun for Hornell with temperatures climbing into the 50s.
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This article originally appeared on The Evening Tribune: Larry Vetter is grand marshal of Hornell St. Patrick's Day parade
