Kathy O’Mara named Grand Marshal for 2023 Fair Parade

Kathy O’Mara has been selected as the Grand Marshal of the 2023 Manchester Community Fair Parade.

by Marsha Chartrand

Kathy (Rose) O’Mara was born and raised in Manchester and graduated from Manchester High School with the class of 1978. She attended Washtenaw Community College then continued at Eastern Michigan University for her bachelor’s degree.

She taught in Manchester her entire career, teaching kindergarten, first-, second-, and fourth grades for 33 years. She coached varsity volleyball and softball along with 7th and 8th grade volleyball and basketball. She ran the snack shack for many years to benefit the softball teams back in the day of the Food Tent at the fair.

Kathy has been involved in many projects through the years — she ran the walk to school program for all grade levels, announced at the Chicken Broil for many years, and also sold Chicken Broil shirts. She has been the chairperson for Emanuel UCC’s ice cream social and is very involved in helping with Manchester Family Service.

Through high school and college, Kathy worked at many local Manchester businesses, including the old Manchester Market, Gambles, Haarer’s, The Flower Garden, and Tirb Chevrolet. She retired from teaching in 2020 and now enjoys relaxing, golfing, being at the lake, and working part time at a golf course.

She has been married to Kevin for 13 years and has two stepdaughters and two grandsons. In 2019 she won the Governor’s Fitness Award and was a finalist for Director’s Champion of Health.

Congratulations on another accomplishment to add to your long list, Kathy — this year, you’ve earned the title of Grand Marshal of the Manchester Community Fair Parade!

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by Marsha Chartrand

Marsha Johnson Chartrand, a founder, writer, and copy editor with the Manchester Mirror, is a 50-year resident of Manchester. She has a long history of volunteer and community involvement.