[su_divider top=”no” size=”4″ margin=”45″]Emily Miller[/su_divider]
Samantha Glenn | LUTV
March 15, 2016; 4 p.m.
Photo by Samantha Glenn
It was a sea of green in downtown St. Louis on March 12th for the 47th annual St. Patricks Day Parade. The parade is known to the community as one of the biggest celebrations of the year. Even though a little bit of rain came down the event, the enthusiastic onlookers still had a fun and festive day.
With over 250 thousand spectators, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade is the largest event that downtown hosts all year. With so many people celebrating in one location, dedicated parade-goers showed up days early to reserve a prime spot.
Parade watcher Joan Dallavis was at the location two days before the parade began.
“We came own Thursday afternoon around 3 to stake our spot. And we came down this morning. We were here before 7,” she said.
She loves how the parade brings out the same people every year to have fun with family and friends.
With teary eyes she remembered the days when her parents could join her at the event.
“[I feel] a little bit of heritage….a lot of my parents,” said Dallavis.
The parade traveled down Market Street and was full of entertaining sights. Festive floats, giant balloons, and over 5-thousand marchers made their way down the street. Kids of all ages were present.
Cage Barcom, was most excited for the candy that was being thrown out by parade members.
Photo by Samantha Glenn
Asia Barcom, Cage’s sister, always looks forward to the family tradition of attending the Parade. She especially enjoys the police cars because of the loud sirens.
Aside from the parade, there was food, music, vendors, and play area for the kids, andplenty of beer.
But the parade wasn’t just for people. Dogs were decked out in green frills, beads, and other accessories. Some parade watchers even took their festive spirits to a new level by dressing up as St. Patrick’s Day Mascots.
