St Patrick's Day - March 17th, 2006
St Paul, Minnesota

In 2006 the day was sunny and bright. The previous year it was overcast and there was a hint of snow. We had had 12-15 inches of snow in the previous week and the intermittent melting had left some piles of snow, even along the curbsides.  The festive air was contagious.

  

     

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

 

 

 

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

  

 

 

Everyone turned and watched expectantly for the first units. The kids were in the streets playing games and waiting for the delays to end. The parade always starts on time, it isn't real formal as there are many walking groups that are or claim to be Irish. Really it is a chance to be in a parade and justify the party scene. Everyone knows it and the politicians use it to their advantage.