The greening of America: St. Patrick's Day parades bring out the Irish in everyone

Travel America, Jan-Feb, 2005 by Alice Ross

Although she was all-American and two generations removed from the

"Old Country," my mother was fiercely proud of her Irish heritage. When I was growing up in the Bronx, New York, every March 17 we'd rise early, bundle up in our warmest clothes (green, of course), then take a train downtown (we always called Manhattan "downtown;" lower Manhattan was "way downtown") to watch the St. Patrick's Day Parade.

We tried to find a viewing spot on the sunny side of Fifth Avenue; in bad weather, we sought a location most protected from the elements. Soon enough, someone would shout: "I hear bagpipes!" And for as long as we could tolerate the cold, we'd applaud and cheer the marching bands and pipe bands, police and fire departments from far and near, soldiers, sailors, students, and step dancers, and clans representing every county in Ireland. Decades later, it's still thrilling to see seas of American flags and the green, white, and gold of Ireland's at the parade honoring its patron saint.

The day has more religious overtones in Ireland, marked by church services and processions. Many here also begin the day attending church; New York's parade is always preceded by a solemn Mass in St. Patrick's Cathedral, attended by most of the politicians and dignitaries who will later be marching.

It's said "everybody's Irish on St. Patrick's Day," and if the number of parades around the country are any indication, many agree. The holiday is commemorated coast to coast in large cities and small towns. So pick your sunny spot, don your green plastic derby, plant a paper shamrock on your cheek, and join a celebration.

Luck 'O The Irish

Here's just a sampling of St. Patrick's Day parades nationwide. Be sure to double-check dates and times since last-minute changes might occur.

CALIFORNIA

A dedication in Balboa Park kicks off the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade in San Diego, a fun-filled event complete with fire departments, Irish dancers, marching bands, singers swinging shillelaghs, equestrian and military units, floats and more. The party continues in the park with a festival featuring food booths, crafts, entertainment, kiddy rides, a green beer garden, and plenty of fun things to do, guaranteeing a good time for everyone. This year's 25th anniversary parade will be held Saturday, March 12. (858) 268-9111, www.stpatsparade.org.

DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA

Washington, D.C., presents a 2 1/2-hour event that's now called "The Nation's St. Patrick's Day Parade." Established over 30 years ago, the parade has grown to include military marchers, police and fire departments, marching bands and pipe bands, novelty groups and floats, all of whom spread cheer along the Constitution Avenue route. The list of past grand marshals includes such notables as former Speaker of the House "Tip" O'Neill and "First Lady of the American Theater" Helen Hayes. Although many elected officials march, the parade is not a forum for political issues but rather a day to enjoy all things Irish. The parade starts at noon, Sunday, March 13. (202) 637-2474, www.dcstpatsparade.com.

GEORGIA

The city's fountains are dyed green for the day in Savannah, which hosts one of the country's largest parades. Floats, bands, and various organizations parade for nearly three hours in front of about 300,000 viewers. Weather is something in Savannah's favor, with temperatures in March ranging from the mid-60s to mid-80s. The parade begins at 10:15 on March 17 in downtown, and a huge party continues afterwards along River Street. Hotel reservations are made far in advance. (912) 233-4804, www.savannahsaint patricksday.com.

ILLINOIS

Chicago works a little magic on St. Patrick's Day, transforming the Chicago River into the River Shannon, a striking shade of green. Although some would have us believe it's the work of leprechauns, the "miracle" is the result of 40 pounds of vegetable dye. The downtown parade starts at noon and for the next few hours, revelers cheer on around 160 marching units, starting with the Shannon Rovers Irish Pipe band and including school bands, bagpipes, floats, helium balloons, and even a queen. Always held the Saturday before the 17th, this year's will be on March 12. (312) 942-9188, www.chicagostpatsparade.com.

MASSACHUSETTS

Boston enjoys a rich Irish heritage that has produced many celebrities and politicians, most notably our late president, John Fitzgerald Kennedy. The Massachusetts city even has an Irish Heritage Trail, a walking trail of Irish memorials. Throughout March, Boston schedules a number of Irish activities including concerts, dances, and lectures. Often called the "Capital of Irish America," Boston has celebrated St. Patrick's Day with a parade for more than a century. Put on by citizen groups in South Boston who donate any moneys raised to charitable endeavors, the parade starts at West Broadway at the Broadway MBTA Station and features about three hours' worth of marching bands, pipes, floats, and more. Find your sunny spot this year on March 20. (617) 696-9880, www.IrishMassachusetts.com.