Destination St. Patrick’s Day: Parade Fun
March 2, 2009
Filed under Destinations
Saint Patrick’s Day, always held March 17th, is a one of the most festive days of the year. Regardless of nationality, everyone has fun reveling in this Irish-themed holiday filled with music, dancing, corned beef and cabbage, green beer and bagpipe filled parades. Since the holiday lands on a weekday this year, most parades are scheduled the weekend before. No matter where you are vacationing this March, there are sure to be some green festivities nearby, but here are a few of the largest U.S. celebrations and parades.
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The New York City St. Patrick’s Day Parade has been marching every March 17th since 1762 as a float and automobile-free parade. Marchers, bagpipers and dancers make this a parade memorable. Starts at 10 am.
The Irish spirit of Chicago comes to life from the moment the Chicago River magically turns emerald green. Two festive parades take the town by storm the weekend before St. Patrick’s Day. The river dying will be at 10:45 on Saturday, March 14th and the Downtown parade starts at noon. The 2009 South Side Irish St. Patrick’s Day Parade will start rolling Sunday, March 15, 2009 at noon.
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania St. Patrick’s Parade will be held Sunday March 15, 2009 from 12-3:30 pm featuring floats, bands and Gaelic dancers.
San Francisco boasts the largest St. Paddy Day parade on the West Coast and has a reputation for its chic fashions. This year the parade will be held Saturday March 14th and begin at 11:30 am, additional festivities run from 10 am to 5 pm.
Dublin, Ohio is an obvious choice for a St. Patty’s celebration. The entire town will be reveling in fun on Saturday, March 14 with an 11am parade, music, dancing and pre- and post-parade parties. Be sure to stop by the Blarney Bash Tent featuring Irish music, dancing, drums and bagpipes.
No matter what parade you decide to watch be sure to arrive early to claim your spot, bring snacks and beverages and don’t forget to wear green–you don’t want to get pinched!
