Hundreds of people decked out in green flooded the downtown curbs of Delaware Avenue Sunday afternoon for the annual St. Patrick's Day parade. With beer or flags in hand, viewers enthusiastically cheered on the passing floats, fire engines, marching bands and state troopers.
One of Buffalo's most celebrated events, the parade began its march down Delaware Avenue from Niagara Square to North Street at 2 p.m. The large parade included members from more than 130 different organizations.
Practically all of the city's Irish population, along with those who just love Leprechauns or the smooth taste of Guinness, were in attendance, crowding every corner and sidewalk along the city stretch.
Nearly every bar and restaurant in the downtown area was open to serve the hundreds of onlookers. Most places opened between late morning and early afternoon, planning on keeping their doors open far into Monday morning. Anyone who has lived in Buffalo for any amount of time knows that this is not just a holiday to celebrate all that is Irish, but a day that also holds the title of the biggest drinking day of the year.
Despite the abundance of green beer, more than just the bar goers were watching the marching bands play and cheering the passing floats. This year's theme was "Hail St. Patrick - God Bless America."
Police departments, firefighters and many other public officials smiled and waved with their "God Bless America" banners and American flags hoisted high. There was a definite patriotic presence that appeared stronger than in years past.
Despite the cold weather and harsh breeze tunneling through downtown, there was a great turnout. For many people going to the parade is an annual tradition that is never compromised, although the excitement and curiosity continues to bring new faces down every year.
Sunday was David Malarkey's first time at the parade, despite his Irish blood. Even though he was not looking forward to the event, he had a good time.
"It was more fun than I expected it to be," he said.
With so many participating units, everyone that goes has a different favorite.
"The best part of the parade is the bagpipers," Terese Scribner said. "If they weren't there, I wouldn't even go."
Most people waited in anticipation for the Irish dancers to put on their show. Rain, snow or shine, the performers dance on floats and follow in precise formation. The girls in their little handmade dresses have only their tights and gloves to keep them warm.
Linda Willett and Marissa Dunn, both beginner dancers, put on a little sidewalk show on their way home from the parade. The two, who one would never know were beginners, dance for Rochez Academy of Irish Dance.
"It was really cold, but a lot of fun," Willett said of her experience. St. Patrick's Day is a huge deal to those involved in Irish dance. "We've been looking forward to it for a really long time."
In addition to the performances and music, there never fails to be an alternate source of entertainment - hoards of drunk people.
"This year's entertainment - drunken idiots - was a little disappointing," said Patrick Townsell, who attends the parade every year, "except for the brief outpour of love for Kevin O'Connell by one of our Irish brothers."
A visibly intoxicated man leapt into the arms of WGRZ weather anchor O' Connell, and his two friends joined him in hugging other Channel 2 staff members.
