St. Patrick's Day Parade

The Rochester St. Patrick's Day Parade is happening this Saturday, March 16 at 12:30 p.m. If you have never been to the parade, clear your schedule.

The parade runs along East Avenue, starting at Alexander Street, and continues on to Main Street until Plymouth Avenue. Check out the map for parking information and shuttle bus stops. Traffic is usually blocked along the parade route at 11:30 a.m.

First priority: Parade Gear. This is definitely a day to go all out. Wear as much green as possible, add some festive green hats, beads, sunglasses, you name it.

Second priority: Food and entertainment. If you plan to attend the parade with kids and want to have room for chairs or a blanket, you'll want to arrive early (10:30/11 a.m. is not a bad idea). And if you plan to arrive early, you'll want to be prepared with snacks and distractions for the kids.

Last year we brought cars, trains, Play Doh, coloring books, crayons, stickers, and bubbles. Of course, we had our iPhones as a Plan B for distraction.

The kids loved seeing the fire trucks, all the cars, and especially the groups of Irish dancers. But there are tons of participants in the parade; last year we stayed until about 1:30 and had not seen even half of the line up. Be prepared.  

One last thing: Sunscreen. Even though it's not summer yet, sunburns are still possible, especially for the kiddos.

And if the parade isn't your cup of tea, there is also a Celtic Family Faire at the Rochester Riverside Hotel, 120 East Main Street. It will run from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Saturday, March 16. This indoor family festival features Celtic music and dance, games, storytelling, and more. For information, call 234-5167.

Have a blast celebrating St. Patrick's Day this weekend. As always, thanks for reading.