DUBLIN, Ohio — The Irish spirit is here as the 2025 Dublin St. Patrick’s Day Parade kicks off.

Barb Anderson was this year’s Grand Leprechaun.

"I serve in a lot of areas in Dublin, and that’s the criteria for the grand leprechaun service in Dublin," Anderson said. "So I’m just so pleased to do that, and it’s a joy to serve."

Alison LeRoy, the director of events for the city of Dublin, said the role of the grand leprechaun is all about service.

“The people who are selected, are honored for their work in the community," LeRoy said. "So we have some of the old families that have been in Dublin for years, some of the newer people who have really just dedicated their life to serving Dublin."

Anderson has lived in Dublin for nearly three decades, and has experienced her fair share of St. Patrick’s Day parades. But this year is different as she gets to experience the joy of being the Grand Leprechaun. 

“They’re always fun, and the weather is always iffy," she said. "You never know what the weather is going to be, but that’s OK. The parade goes on."

LeRoy said putting on a parade like this one is the introduction to spring. 

“As you can tell, even though the rain and wind, and everything that happens today, people still come out for this event because it is a true Dublin tradition,” LeRoy said.

With more than 110 groups in the parade ranging from marching bands to floats and even equestrian teams, this parade really brings the community out to celebrate. 

“We just want to thank everyone for coming out, staff, the people that come out our sponsors and volunteers, it’s not always the easiest day to be at, but it’s always a lot of fun,” LeRoy said.