PITTSBURGH (KDKA) — Thousands of people decked out in green and white flooded the streets of downtown Pittsburgh Saturday morning for the city’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

It’s a day when green dominates the landscape – from green hair to green hats and green clothing. It’s a day when everyone is Irish.

Virginia Barrett said she hasn’t missed a parade in 30 years.

“I love the Irish; I’m Irish, and it was a tradition in our family,” said Barrett of coming to the parade.

John McEvoy says the celebration is better than his birthday.

“My family is all in. They come in from Warrington, Va. I really enjoy this day,” he said.

More than 150,000 people attend the annual parade. It featured 23,000 participants from local police and firefighters, high school marching bands, Irish clubs, dance groups, and, of course, leprechauns.

Even newly-elected Gov. Tom Corbett made an appearance.

“The reception has been very good. There’s some people that have a difference of opinion with me, but the reception has been great,” said Gov. Corbett. “You have a great time in this parade.”

Mayor Luke Ravenstahl introduced his young son, Cooper, to the festivities.

“He did a great job in the parade. He was a fan favorite, as you could imagine,” said Mayor Ravenstahl. “We had a good time. It’s his first St. Patrick’s Day Parade and he’ll have many more, as well.”

Pittsburgh’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade is considered one of best in the country.

It certainly got high marks from native Irishman, Brian O’Neill, who attended the festivities.

“Much bigger, much better, much more festive,” he said. “It’s a great day, it’s a great day to be Irish.”

RELATED LINKS:
St. Patrick’s Day Parade
City Of Pittsburgh

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