Broad Street was covered in shades of green and gold early Monday afternoon during an annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade hosted by the Irish American Heritage Society.
Local restaurants and businesses, high school sports teams, bands and community members decked out in their luckiest outfits enjoyed their moment in the spotlight on the parade route which began at the James Brown Arena, circled through Broad Street and ended at Sixth Street.
St. Patrick’s Day traditions
Amidst the festivities, young girls Mady Irick and Harper James shared that they’ve been coming to the parade for as long as they can remember.
“We come every year. I’ve been since I was an infant,” said Irick. In fact, she added that they always choose to watch at the same spot on the corner of Broad Street and Eleventh Street.
Irick said her favorite part of the parade is “seeing all the cars and floats and throwing the beads.” James’ favorite part, she said, is the candy.
For Winter Overstreet and April McGraw, the parade was an ideal way to kick off their St. Patrick’s Day celebrating.
“It’s exciting, it’s a good vibe, you know,” said McGraw. “It’s a good turnout too. It’s a great area to have a parade.”
Over the top costumes
While some visitors wore just enough green to fit in with the crowd, other parade-goers made an attempt to stand out; one in particular wore an inflatable leprechaun costume.
Abby Suzal said she always goes all out for everything, and the March 17 holiday was no different.
Suzal’s costume was an over the top attempt to outdo one of her equally festive friends, who she called the “St. Patrick’s Day queen.”
“[I] had to one up her this year!” she added.
