SPRINGFIELD — Springfield Township was a sea of green on Saturday afternoon, as the annual Springfield Township St. Patrick’s Day Parade made its way down densely crowded streets from Springfield and Britton roads to Saxer Avenue and Powell Road.

With temperatures holding steady in the 50s, thousands of attendees came out for the parade and festivities, donning their green shirts, jackets, hats, wigs and everything in between, to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day 2025. Many people were decked out in Eagles green fandom wear this year, to celebrate their Irish pride as well as their passion for their favorite team.

Whether celebrating Irish heritage, or just wanting to watch a great hometown parade, smiling Irish eyes seemed to be everywhere.

“It’s a family tradition,” remarked Marie Duffy, of Springfield, who has been attending the parade for over 40 years. “This is always a wonderful day to get together with family and to see friends and neighbors whom you haven’t seen for a while.”

Jerry Worley of Clifton Heights had never before been to the Springfield Parade, until this year.

His wife, Christine, works at Springfield High School and was appearing in the parade with Support a Sport, an organization that provides sports camps and clinics for youth and young adults with intellectual and physical abilities.

“All I can say is ‘Wow, wow, wow … I will definitely come again,’ ” Worley exclaimed. “It’s like a big party here!”

Prior to the parade’s start, pre-parade entertainment and activities took place at the reviewing stand in front of Old Central School on Saxer Avenue, where the parade participants lined up in a pre-determined order.

The parade lasted over two hours, with a steady stream of floats, bands and community groups to keep the crowd entertained.

Even St. Patrick, himself, made his way through the streets, thanks to Delco resident Joe McGinn. Pounds of candy were tossed to children, as they waited eagerly along the parade route with their families, trying their best to catch a treat.

Sean McGarrigle of Havertown came to the parade with his daughter Aine, who participates in the sports at Delco Gaels. McGarrigle, whose father was born in Ireland, said it was his first time coming to the parade.

“I always heard how great this parade was, but I never had the chance to come before,” he shared. “I’m sure that I’ll be back again in the years to come. It’s a really nice parade and I like how it puts a spotlight on all the local clubs and groups in our area.”

This year’s marchers included the Springfield Township Police Department, Haverford Police Department, Springfield Fire Company, Morton-Rutledge Fire Company, Springfield Ambulance Corps, Greater Springfield Business Association, The Communities of Don Guanella and Divine Providence, Donegal Society, AOH-Dennis Kelly Division, Joseph Montgomery Division of AOH Division 65, AOH Black Kehoe Division, Springfield Athletic Association, Springfield Football Club, the Knights of Columbus of Holy Cross and Lady of Lourdes #4500 at St. Kevin’s, O’Mahoney Association, LAOH Trinity Division of Ladies AOH, St. Francis of Assisi Cheerleading, the Smedley Butler Marine Corps League, Free Mom Hugs, the Were Wolves of Dublin, Springfield Youth Club, Springfield Baptist Church, Saints of County Delco, The St. Francis Players and many more.

Music was provided by Springfield and Cardinal O’Hara bands, the Quaker City String Band, Brian Boru Pipes and Drums, Galena Brass, and others.

Several schools were represented, including Springfield High School, Cardinal O’Hara High School, St. Francis of Assisi School, Holy Cross School and Monsignor Bonner & Archbishop Prendergast High School.

This year’s grand marshal was Dr. John Cooke, president of Bonner & Prendie and a member of the Ancient Order of Hibernians, Dennis Kelly Division. Cooke walked the streets, surrounded by B & P students, shaking hands with people along the parade route.

The B & P Friars, who recently took their first state football championship when they won the PIAA Class 4A championship, rode on a float, proudly hoisting their trophy for all to see.

Springfield resident Michael Bradley marched with the 16 Dublin Airport Police and Firefighters, who came straight from Ireland to march in the Springfield Township and Philadelphia St. Patrick’s Day Parade this weekend.

Several dance studios also participated, including Carmela’s Dance Studio and McDade Cara School of Irish Dance, as well as Cub Scout Packs #240 and #503, the Ridley-Springfield Unit of Girl Scouts, and other community groups.

Local businesses were well-represented, as well, including Opdenaker Trash Removal, Park-A-Pub, O’Leary Funeral Home, Thunderbird Pizza, Jake’s Tree Service, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Davy Tree, Gutter Brothers, Grimes Construction, McCormick Landscaping, Sharon Bank and more.

“This parade is always a fun, good time,” remarked Matt Crockett of Newtown Square, as he watched a string band go down the street. “Everyone seems happy. Everyone’s smiling and in a good mood!”