Mary Kay and Michael Ryan met at Coleman’s Irish Pub 14 years ago and last year they had their wedding reception at the pub. Now they are this year’s grand marshals of Coleman's Green Beer Parade.

“We had a big tent,” Michael Ryan said. “We took over the whole parking lot outside there. We had cocktails out there before, the reception went from three to 10 inside here. Then from 10 to midnight we had hand rolled cigars and fire pits out under the tent and continued on until midnight.” 

To be the grand marshals of a place they call home, Mary Kay says is an honor.

“It is an absolute blast to be here, to watch it, to experience it and to be a part of it now, we’re over the moon,” Mary Kay Ryan said. “It’s something that Michael and I have come to and to be a part of it now is just an incredible honor. And we are up to the task.” 

The Ryans and Colemans have always shared a close bond with one another.

“My mom and dad were grand marshals of this parade in 2006,” Michael said. “Mary Kay’s sister was a grand marshal a few years back, so it’s now carrying on the legacy and the tradition of it.” 

Ninety years ago, Coleman’s opened up for business, which was started by Peter A. Coleman. Then his son Peter J. Coleman took over. He passed away in August 2021. Michael remembers him as a man who made everyone feel welcome.

“[He was] a great guy and very welcoming and a wonderful sense of humor,” Michael said.

“You know, people make it a tradition,” Mary Kay said. “It’s one of those traditions that lots of people put in their calendar and they know they’re not going to miss it. And it’s really a testament to the professionalism of the Coleman family and the Coleman staff that it runs so smoothly. I say to people going to Coleman’s is like going home. It’s like hanging out in somebody’s house. The stories that are within these walls are just endless.”