Vancouver students learn it’s easy — and fun — to be green during Paddy Hough Parade

Hundreds of Vancouver elementary school students and teachers decked head to toe in green streamed down Main Street for Monday’s Paddy Hough Parade.

Passersby, parents and children lined sidewalks to catch the action and receive goodies. The wail of bagpipes signaled the start of the parade. One by one, each Hough Elementary School class began walking, followed by community groups, old-timey cars, clowns, Miss Clark County and others.

“We are having fun today,” Lamia Davis, 7, said excitedly as she waited with her fellow first-graders for their turn to walk in the parade.

“I’m looking forward to some candy,” said Raelynn Meier, 6.

Then, she and Lamia chanted “candy, candy, candy.”

The students wore bright green “Hough Hawks” shirts. Some went the extra mile and accessorized with green tutus, hats, headbands, sunglasses and knee-high socks. Even dogs in the parade sported Hough shirts.

Parade marchers handed out candy, cookies, stickers, bracelets and potatoes — yes, potatoes — to those watching from the sidewalks.

The annual parade honors Patrick “Paddy” Hough.

In the late 1800s, Hough came to Vancouver from Ireland amid that country’s devastating potato famine. He quickly became known in Vancouver as a dedicated teacher and voice for equality. After his retirement, Hough returned as deputy superintendent for Clark County Schools.

In 1941 — 16 years after Hough’s death — the new elementary school just north of downtown Vancouver was named in his honor. The parade has been held annually since 1991 — with the exception of the three-year pause due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Hough Hawks rock,” third-graders chanted down Daniels Street while holding a sign saying “3rd grade community around us” with all of their photos on it.