Tue 3/17 @ 1:04PM
Yet again, at exactly 1:04pm, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade will roll out on Superior Avenue and East 18th, following prayers, recognitions, and the singing of the national anthems of the U.S. and Ireland. This year’s theme is “Celebrating 250 Years of Irish and Irish-American Contributions to the Land of the Free,” but the marchers you’ll see will be familiar from previous years: the guarantors in their green sashes, the bevy of politicians waving to the crowd and rushing to shake hands with friends, the police and firefighter units with their drums and bagpipes, Irish dance schools and Irish-American clubs, the high school marching bands, organizations such as the Cleveland Public Library, Playhouse Square, the Cleveland Metroparks, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Burning River Roller Derby, labor unions, charities, and local businesses, ranging from Jack Casino to Great Lakes Brewing Company to Mooney & Sons Towing (Heroes to many, we’re sure!) Even Ohio Geese Control will be marching, keeping the parade safe from those ubiquitous Canada geese.
What really puts a smile on our faces is the animals: the Irish wolfhounds and Irish setters, the City Dogs rescue group with their happy pit mixes sporting “adopt me” jackets, the APL, and horses — last year one had a shamrock painted on its rear. The crowd is part of the show too, as watchers lining the street don elaborate kelly green outfits, and shamrock everything: face paint, glasses, tiaras and more. Don’t start drinking too early to enjoy it!