Police brace for large crowds as Pittsburgh's St. Patrick's Day parade returns

For the first time since 2019, Pittsburgh’s St. Patrick’s Day parade will go on as planned in March, and police are expecting its return to be very well-attended.

“After two very challenging years, it’s understandable that people will be in the mood to celebrate one of Pittsburgh’s most beloved traditions: St. Patrick’s Day,” said Public Safety Director Lee Schmidt.

The parade was canceled in 2020 as the covid-19 pandemic took hold. In 2021, it was pushed to September as covid cases again surged throughout the winter and into the early spring.

Schmidt urged revelers to keep in mind that “while the worst of the pandemic appears to have waned at this moment, it has not disappeared entirely.”

In addition to large crowds along the parade route, authorities also expect the usual party spots – the South Side, Downtown and the North Shore – to see crowds reminiscent of pre-pandemic celebrations. Several inches of snow could contribute to traffic hazards.

Temporary light towers will be in the busiest areas, and firefighters and liquor control officers will be doing occupancy checks. Schmidt said bars and restaurants exceeding their posted occupancy limits will be cleared and closed.

Related:

• Pittsburgh's St. Patrick's Day parade, celebration ranked among best in country

As with most city celebrations, Pittsburgh police will be out in full force, including the mounted unit, motorcycle and bicycle units, and K-9 units. County and state police also will be patrolling.

“We know this year, being the first year back from the pandemic … a lot of people are going to come out, a lot of people are going to take advantage of this opportunity, and a lot of people are going to become impaired, whether voluntarily or involuntarily,” Pittsburgh police Sgt. Terry Donelly said during a Thursday briefing.

“We want everybody to come, we want everybody to enjoy themselves and have a good time here in our city,” he said. “We want to make sure everyone – everyone – that comes down is safe and they get home safe.”