St. Patrick's Day Parades 2012
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PHILADELPHIA
March
11
Going back to 1771, five years before the signing of the Declaration of Independence there, Philadelphia's St. Patrick's Day Parade is the third oldest in the country after New York City's and Boston's. It is also one of the grandest parades in a city that love parades. The three-hour parade begins at 11 a.m. For more information, visit www.philadelphiastpatsparade.com
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WASHINGTON,
DC
March 11
The 40th annual St. Patrick's Day Parade
of Washington,
DC begins at noon on Historic Constitution Avenue,
between 7th to 17th Streets NW. This year, an estimated
20,000 spectators will be entertained by floats, Irish
dancers, drill teams,and music performed by marching bands
and pipe bands dressed in traditional Irish garb. For
more information, visit www.dcstpatsparade.com
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LAS
VEGAS
March
17
Sin City goes green! Las
Vegas is always fond of a good party, so this holiday
is no exception. Hotels are offering St. Paddy's specials,
local pubs are serving green beer and parties are held
at clubs throughout the city. The Sons of Erin are hosting
their 46th annual parade and party in downtown Henderson
on Water Street. Admission is free. There are also a variety
of other events including a carnival, car show, Irish music and dancing, food and other vendors.
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SAVANNAH
March 17
This southern city's 188th annual St. Patrick's Day Parade may not be the oldest, but it is one of the largest — boasting some 400,000 spectators — and perhaps the grandest. Celebrations begin two weeks prior to the parade. The three-hour parade begins at 10:15 a.m. sharp and comprises more than 350 units. For
more information, visit www.savannahsaintpatricksday.com
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NEW
YORK
March
17
The largest St. Patrick's Day Parade in the world, New York's edition is held for the 251st time in 2012, attracting 150,000 marchers and some 2 million spectators. Marching up Fifth
Avenue from 44th to 86th Streets, the parade kicks off at 11 a.m.
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SAN
FRANCISCO
March 17
The
largest St.
Patrick's Day Parade west of the Mississippi River, San
Francisco's 161st annual parade starts at 11:30 a.m. at Second and Market
Streets and proceeds to City Hall along Market Street.
A festival in Civic Center Plaza takes place from 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on the same day, which includes Irish cultural and retail booths, Irish food and beverages, Irish dancing, live music and children’s activities, such as pony rides. It is sponsored by the United Irish Societies of San Francisco.
For more information, visit www.sfstpatricksdayparade.com
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ST. LOUIS
March 17
The 43rd annual St. Patrick's Day Parade
of St Louis is expected to attract over 250,000 spectators. The Irish Village, featuring Irish-themed entertainment, food and beverages, opens at 9 a.m. before the parade, which begins at 11:30 a.m., and continues both during and after the parade. A five-mile run also commences at 9 a.m. and draws a crowd of 13,000 participants. For more information, visit www.irishparade.org
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ATLANTA
March 17
The
city of Atlanta has long had a close relationship with all things Irish.
No wonder they throw a huge bash. This year's festivities
are supposed to be bigger and better than ever, with the parade ending at Underground Atlanta for a huge
festival. The 2012 parade will feature floats, bands of
every kind, military units, Bagpipe & Drum Corps,
Irish dancers, clowns, high tech firefighting equipment,
police units, drill teams, dignitaries from Ireland and
more. The 130th Atlanta St. Patrick's Parade begins at
noon at Peachtree Street and Ralph McGill Boulevard. For details,
visit www.stpatsparadeatlanta.com
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CHICAGO
March 17
This
year marks the 57th anniversary of the Chicago St. Patrick's
Day parade. Revelers meet at noon on Saturday, March 17,
on Columbus Drive, at downtown Chicago's
lakefront. Following a citywide
search for "Chicago's Fairest Colleen," the
winner of the St. Patrick's Day Queen Contest will lead
the parade riding in a horse-drawn carriage. As
always, participants can watch the river turn an incredible
shade of green. The best viewing is from the upper level
bridges at Michigan Avenue or Columbus Drive. For more
information visit www.chicagostpatsparade.com
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CLEVELAND
March 17
More than 10,000 people participate in bands, floats, drill teams, marching units and novelties in Cleveland's popular parade, which began in 1867. Beginning at E. 18th St., this parade proceeds down Superior Ave. to just beyond E. Broadway. The action starts precisely at 1:04 p.m. so don't miss it!
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BOSTON
March 18
In a city with more Irish pubs than any other in the United States, it is no surprise that Boston should have celebrated the first St. Patrick's Day Parade ever back in 1737. It is now the second largest parade in the country, attracting as many as 600,000 spectators and participants. The parade kicks off at 1 p.m. from Broadway Station. For more information, visit www.southbostonparade.org
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MONTREAL
March
20
The oldest and largest St. Patrick's Day Parade in Canada, since 1824, Montreal's three-hour parade begins at noon with a giant replica of St. Patrick himself, which proceeds down St Catherine St. from Rue du Fort to St Philips Square. For more information visit www.montrealirishparade.com
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