Denver turned Irish this Saturday as thousands of people dressed in green gathered along Blake Street in Lower Downtown to cheer the myriad floats of the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Friends, family and even dogs came together early in the morning to witness the grand celebration of traditional Irish music, dance, food and more. Organizers estimated 225,000 people watched this year’s parade.
The turnout was boosted by the fact the parade actually happened on St. Patrick’s Day. The city holds the parade on a Saturday regardless of when St. Patrick’s Day is, but this year the dates matched perfectly. The parade started at 9:30 a.m. at the Coors Field parking lot and ended at around 1 p.m. at 27th and Blake streets.
“I come every year with my friends and family,” said Kelsi Arrieta, of Denver, who joked she was mostly looking forward to the green beer. “This is just another event people celebrate and it brings people together so they can enjoy being outside, especially after a long winter inside. Past years have been cold, so it’s nice to have a nice and sunny day.”
This year’s parade was all about fun and sunshine. Children seemed thrilled as they watched donkeys with green painted clovers on their backs walk along the street as Uilleann pipe music played.
Among the groups participating were the Greeley Stampede (with floats accompanied with horses and chariots), the Colorado Emerald Society, the Denver Fire Department, and the Wick School of Irish Dance.
People on the floats saluted the crowd, who responded with enthusiastic cheers and laughter. Some people on the floats handed out candy, stickers, and St. Patrick’s Day sunglasses.
It was the first time in two decades that Jim Lynn and his wife Margaret were among the many enjoying the parade.
“We decided we are coming every 20 years,” Lynn said teasingly. “This is just a Denver version of Mardi Gras. It gives people the excuse to drink a lot, be stupid for the day and get away with it.”
Lynn said he was happy to celebrate his Irish heritage. Even though it’s not common for him to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, he said he felt obligated to come down to the parade and “wear a silly hat.”
The Denver police cadets also seemed to be having fun. Even though they were working hard to keep the parade in order, they also wore green hats and cheered as the floats passed by. One cadet said she thought the parade was a huge success and a lot of fun although her favorite part was petting all the dogs.
After the parade, many moved on to the pubs and food booths to enjoy the rest of the day with friends and family.
“It’s fun dressing up, mixing our cultures and having a fun time.” said Michelle Caudillo, of Denver, who was celebrating with her triplets and her husband at Blake Street Tavern. “It takes your mind off all the bad things that go around. It’s good to share with our kids and start a tradition with them.”
