PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Planning on heading downtown for Saturday’s big Saint Patrick’s Day Parade? There are a few changes you should know about, including a new route.

When it comes to Pittsburgh’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade, you can’t stop the revelers; you can only hope to contain them. That’s why thousands of barricades are up all over the city.

“We march every year, rain or shine, and it should be dry tomorrow,” said Jim Green, the parade chair.

It’s not the Luck of the Irish but Mother Nature that dictates the skies on Saturday; but Green says if he has his way, this year’s edition will appeal to a younger crowd.

“We’ve worked hard convincing the public what our true identity is, which is a family-friendly parade,” said Green.

But weather notwithstanding, Market Square will be dry – as in alcohol-free until 2 p.m. to make way for an Irish fair.

“We have face-painting and balloon-making, that kind of stuff for families,” said Green. “Dunkin’ Donuts will have a kids’ activity, so that’s new this year.”

What’s also new is the route. Marked off by shamrocks, it starts at Liberty Avenue and goes down the Boulevard of the Allies.

While the streets are quiet now, crews are busy today preparing for every contingency.

Actually, there will be about 100 little problems that come up between now and then, but come tomorrow morning, it’s time for the parade, and we’ll all enjoy that,” added Green.

Of course, the new route means some different closures. People should prepare to see the main part of the route at Liberty and 11th close off at 8 a.m. to prepare for 15 blocks of floats lining up for the parade.

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Pittsburgh’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade
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Other St. Patrick’s Day Activities
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