Lexi McCabe, Xander Hospodar crowned Pittston’s Little Miss, Little Mister Leprechaun

PITTSTON — Preparations for the Pittston Saint Patrick’s Parade would not be complete without the crowning of “Little Miss and Little Mister Leprechaun” for their participation in the event.

On Sunday night, with the crowning of two area youngsters, that mission was accomplished and it seemed like the city was then completely ready for its holiday parade that has become tradition for many residents. ​

Winners were scheduled to ride in Saturday’s St. Patrick’s Parade and hold the title for the year.

Xander Hospodor, 5, of Pittston, and Lexi McCabe, 4, of Hanover, took first place following a short competition, taking time to pose for pictures and to sport a big smile for family members who attended the event to support them.

Both were decked in green from head to toe, telling the city’s special events coordinator Sarah Donahue they are familiar with leprechauns and were looking forward to the parade.

The two were among about 25 contestants who made their way to the front of the room to share their thoughts about what a leprechaun might be like and about their favorite part of the parade. ​

Lexi McCabe, who entered the contest at the suggestion of a pre-school teacher, told Donahue she thinks leprechauns might sneak into school desks and steal their contents.

Donahue said leprechauns at Saturday’s parade would be energetic, friendly and colorful characters, who would bring joy to the Irish celebration.

Hospodor thoroughly enjoyed his time in the spotlight, sharing a joke with the audience and telling Donahue his favorite part of the event is the balloons.

Since a gigantic shamrock balloon was set to make its first appearance at this year’s parade, it seems Hospodor and other balloon-lovers will be especially pleased with the parade’s offerings.

Richard McCabe, 5, of Kingston, and Lexi Noone, 7, of Pittston, took first runner-up spots, both poised, but shy, as they answered parade-related questions.

When asked if she ever attended the parade before, Noone enthusiastically said, “Yes, every year.”

Richard McCabe said one of his favorite parts of the parade is the music.

Donahue told Mila Schuler, the 2018 Little Miss Leprechaun 2018, she would always hold a special place in the hearts of St. Patrick’s Parade lovers, as the first to hold the title.

Schuler graciously handed out bright glittery headbands and shamrock necklaces to contestants.

And, although the event concluded with two winners and two runners-up, there were no losers.

Many participants, win or lose, said they were looking forward to the chance to attend the parade, eat candy and cheer on over 100 parade entries.

Donahue, looking back on last year’s parade that followed a blizzard, said the only challenge to this year’s event might be a bit of rain.

“We’re holding the parade no matter what,” she said. “So if it rains, just bring your umbrellas and come on out.”

Mia White, 3, of Exeter, answers questions from Little Mr./Miss Leprechaun host Sarah Donahue.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/web1_LittleMiss1-1.jpgMia White, 3, of Exeter, answers questions from Little Mr./Miss Leprechaun host Sarah Donahue. Tony Callaio | For Sunday Dispatch

Jessica Miller, 5, of Pittston, grabs her shamrock headband from the 2018 Miss Leprechaun Mila Schuler, 5, of Pittston.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/web1_LittleMiss2-1.jpgJessica Miller, 5, of Pittston, grabs her shamrock headband from the 2018 Miss Leprechaun Mila Schuler, 5, of Pittston. Tony Callaio | For Sunday Dispatch

The 2019 Little Mister Leprechaun Xander Hospodar, 5,, waves to the audience.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/web1_LittleMiss3-1.jpgThe 2019 Little Mister Leprechaun Xander Hospodar, 5,, waves to the audience. Tony Callaio | For Sunday Dispatch

Lexi McCabe, 4, of Hanover, was crowned the 2019 Little Miss Leprechaun Feb. 24 at the Pittston Memorial Library.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/web1_LittleMiss4-1.jpgLexi McCabe, 4, of Hanover, was crowned the 2019 Little Miss Leprechaun Feb. 24 at the Pittston Memorial Library. Tony Callaio | For Sunday Dispatch

The winners and runner-ups for the 2019 Little Mr./Miss Leprechaun are, from left, Lexi McCabe, 4, of Hanover, Little Miss winner; Xander Hospodar, 5, of Pittston, Little Mr. winner; Richard McCabe, 5, of Kingston, Little Mr. runner-up; Lexi Noone, 7, of Pittston, Little Miss runner-up.

https://www.psdispatch.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/02/web1_LittleMiss5-1.jpgThe winners and runner-ups for the 2019 Little Mr./Miss Leprechaun are, from left, Lexi McCabe, 4, of Hanover, Little Miss winner; Xander Hospodar, 5, of Pittston, Little Mr. winner; Richard McCabe, 5, of Kingston, Little Mr. runner-up; Lexi Noone, 7, of Pittston, Little Miss runner-up. Tony Callaio | For Sunday Dispatch