HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) - The Holyoke Saint Patrick's Parade is a little over two months away, and dozens gathered for the Grand Marshal's reception Friday night. James Lavelle was recognized as the 72nd Parade Grand Marshal. It's the highest local honor given to a person of Irish ancestry. The parade committee tells 22News he was selected because of his lifelong commitment to Holyoke "My father had been involved for a long time so it is nice to follow in his footsteps and to be asked to be part of it and to be honored in any fashion is just a huge honor," Lavelle says. The 72nd Holyoke St. Patrick's parade will take place on Sunday, March 23rd. You can also watch it live right here on 22News. Those interested can take part in the 10K road race the day before. Local News Headlines Supreme Court Upholds NationwideTiktok Ban Girl Scout Cookie sales begin across western Massachusetts Nation’s top high school athletes showcase talent at Hoophall Classic in Springfield, day 2 of tournament Baseball fans remember hall-of-famer Bob Uecker at 90 WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com.