We're #1 . . . And That's No Blarney!

     With Blarney Castle as our float theme for 2007, this clan's Parade Committee came up with a simple yet striking shirt to make the point.  Got Blarney?  Got Brophys!  A few days before the parade, the committee hatched another great idea that was top secret. Blarney Castle needed a leprechaun perched on top . . . a real leprechaun!   Mark Arnold, who will be marrying into this family in the fall, readily agreed to take on this important task.  Once he took his spot at the top of the castle, the true showman in him came shining through. 
     As family members descended on Hancock Street near the Cathedral, they were greeted by Kelly Schuler who quickly painted green blarney mustaches on marchers.  Parade judges immediately noticed the take-off on the milk commercial with the Got Blarney? and were doubly impressed with the blarney mustaches as well. 
     As clan members were gathering, WHOI made a beeline to our area to do a feature on the Brophy Clan.  While other parade entries would try to entice reporter Laura Michels and her cameraman, the two had only one group they wanted to interview this year.  A reporter from the Peoria Journal Star saw the huge crowd dressed in Got Blarney? shirts and stopped to record some information too.  Read the Peoria Journal Star article!
     Yes, we had been issued a challenge by the Sullivans about a month ago.  They were going to beat us this year, right?  Well, we tied with them for first, but since there was only one first place trophy, the family that could get to the stage first would get it right then and there.  With Peggy Flynn's dancers performing when the announcement was made, you can be sure Trisha Flynn and Kathleen Casey were right there in front.  They quickly secured the trophy so they could bring it to the family gathering at the Northern Oaks Clubhouse.

Leprechaun Mark Arnold prepares to enter Blarney Castle as Megan and Matt add the banners and fringe to the base of the float.

Megan, Hailey, and Kerry strike a pose with their blarney mustaches before marching
in the 2007 parade.

St. Patrick (Alex Haycock) can't believe his grandmother's attire.  Dennis Haycock can
because that's typical of his mother!

Steve Libert, Nevan, Bill Tesmer, and John Kocher prepare to celebrate.

Kelly Schuler gives Megan Brophy the famous blarney mustache.

Mark Arnold works on leg adjustments before dazzling the crowds with his antics.

Readying the candy for the parade route

Jim Brophy selects the music for our entry.

Susan, Kate, Paula, and young ones

Terry Davis adds last minute touches.

Clan members begin to line up on the street to begin their march through town.

Erin and Laura prepare to lead the clan.

Alex Haycock gets ready to board the float.

Where is Brophy's Pub?  That was the question being asked when parade viewers saw the signs on our float.

Mark's ready to put on a show!