Everybody is a little Irish at this annual St. Pat's celebration on March 16!
For 57 years, Denver has embraced its Irish roots and hosted one of the largest Celtic celebrations in the nation. At this parade, you'll see everything from Irish dancers to bands and a whole lot of all-things green in between.
"Attendees young and old come to enjoy a festive entourage of bands, equestrians, Irish dancers, bagpipes, civic clubs, and multiple cultural groups. Celebrate community and culture with family and friends, because everybody can be a little Irish for the parade!" says the official Denver St. Patrick's Day Parade website.
Denver's St. Pat's parade is one of the largest parades west of the Missippi, and it is definitely the biggest parade in Denver. More than 200,000 people will line the parade route to get their green on.
"Enjoy horses and stagecoaches, marching bands, dancers, floats and Irish-themed fun with a Western flair," Denver.org says.
This year's parade will be held on Saturday, March 16 (one day before St. Patrick's Day). It will be stepping off at 9:30 a.m. and will roll down on Blake Street, and we've got some tips to plug into the luck of the Irish and find a good spot (you don't want to turn green with envy being stuck behind the huge crowd).
"To catch all the action, the best spectating spot is south of 20th Avenue on Blake Street (renamed Tooley Street for the parade). This area tends to be crowded, so the best place for families to watch the parade is near the end, on Blake Street from 23rd to 27th avenues. The parade starts at 9:30 a.m., but folks come as early as 6 a.m. to stake out a spot," suggests Denver.org.
Courtesy of Denver St. Patrick's Day Parade (Facebook)
Please remember that this is a family event, so while you may have been up at the crack of dawn eating Lucky Charms and downing pints of Guinness (the breakfast of champions), little lads and lasses will be everywhere enjoying the magic. Enjoy the parade, and then release your inner leprechaun at the pubs and events later in the afternoon. There is no lack of things to do downtown or green ale to be imbibed, and you can find more info on where to party here.
If you want to kick St. Patrick's Day off a little early, come down to the Denver City and County Building for the parade proclamation ceremony at noon on March 12. The building will light up as green as the Emerald Isle to usher in the celebration.
How will you be celebrating St. Patrick's Day? Let us know in the comments below.