Thousands Flock Downtown To Watch St. Patrick's Day Parade

PITTSBURGH (KDKA) -- It's a tradition that dates back to 1869.

Through wars, the depression and even a blizzard, Pittsburgh loves its St. Patrick Day Parade. And this year was no exception.

Chilly temperatures and drizzle didn't stop thousands of people from heading downtown, regardless of their ethnic background.

The guys on the bagpipes wait all year for this. And so do thousands of Pittsburghers.

"We like the bagpipes," said parade-goer Stephanie Fritzley, of Ross Township. "The bagpipes are our favorite, and the little skirts."

It's the second largest St. Patrick's Day Parade in the country. And it attracts people from outside of Pittsburgh, including one woman who came from Fort Wayne, Ind.

"We came here because we heard the parade was very big and a lot of fun," parade-goer Alyssa Milentis said. "We wanted to come and join in the festivities."

Click here to check out our St. Patrick's Day Parade photo gallery!

There was some green stylin' going on. It's a day when you've got to wear green and have a lot of fun.

"It's great to see people downtown for something different you know; something other than a game," said Kyle Sidebotham, a parade-goer. "Just seeing everybody get together. It's a great time."

And the politicians, they love the Irish vote. Gov. Tom Corbett was seen on the parade route, and a guy with an Italian name who wants to be mayor, Bill Peduto, had smiling Irish eyes, too.

It's Pittsburgh's St. Patrick's Day parade. A fun filled time that continued its nearly 150-year tradition Saturday.

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