Nice weather makes for pleasant experience at Pittsburgh’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade
Well over 100,000 people were expected to turn out Saturday morning for Pittsburgh’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The temperature, in the 60s — the warmest it’s been in several years — made for pleasant viewing.
The city’s parade, one of the largest in the nation, started more than 150 years ago and has since grown into a vibrant citywide celebration.
There were about 20,000 participants in the parade, including Irish step dancers, marching bands, military units, community organizations and Miss Smiling Irish Eyes, Melanie Grace Rayl of Mt. Lebanon, along with her court, Reece Maggie Flowers and Elizabeth Rose Fitzgerald Sweeney.
The parade route was 1.4 miles, with Grant Street among the prime viewing areas and with a reviewing stand at Stanwix Street.
Before the parade began there, Catholic Diocese of Pittsburgh Bishop David Zubik was set to celebrate Mass at St. Patrick’s in the Strip District and bless the parade.
New this year, the Pittsburgh Parade Day Dash was held before the parade. It was expected to draw than 2,500 runners and walkers for a 5K race beginning at 8:25 a.m. and 1-mile family fun run at 8 a.m.
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