Ten Best St. Patrick’s Celebrations in the US

Saint Patrick’s Day is a lively celebration, traditionally observed with parades, music dancing, Irish food and green beer. Chances are, there will be a parade near you, as there are parades and celebrations all over the United States on this Irish holiday. AOL has diligently researched the parades and designated the top ten St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations in the United States. The following are the top ten, I’m sure there’s one in your local area or visit that favorite pub down on the corner. Please link through for updated dates, times and scheduling and by all means get out and visit these celebrations. It’s a good reason to drink green beer and sing irish songs.

Enjoy the day with friends and a new Green Apple iPod Nano 8GB from Zume. Remember everyone is Irish on St. Patrick’s Day.

1. Boston, Mass.: They’ve been partying since 1901 in “Bean Town”. About 850,000 people attend this spirited party. The city’s population is about 16 percent Irish and they celebrate St. Patrick’s Day with enthusiasm.

2. New York City: New York’s parade has been celebrated since 1762. They expect about 2 million people to line the streets of New York for the largest and oldest St. Pat’s parade in the United States. The huge parade has about 150,000 marchers. No floats or automobiles allowed. Plenty of bagpipes and green beer in the city on this Irish event. As the original St. Patrick’s Day Parade U.S history, the first event was held in 1762.

3. (tie) Chicago - South Side: South side parade draws about 325,000 people. This Irish neighborhood’s parade has a lively party atmosphere. 

3. (tie) Chicago – Downtown: The event in Chicago has taken place since 1843. About 300,000 people attend the parade. Before the parade the famous Chicago River is turned green with the help of some green dye and a leprechaun or two. The fantastic dying of the famous Chicago River takes place at 10:45 am and the parade follows.

4. Savannah, Georgia: The St. Patrick’s Day event has taken place since 1825 and draws and crowd of 400,000. Local traditions include dying the city’s fountains green and eating green grits for breakfast. The 183rd annual parade, one of the oldest in the country is designated as one of the top 20 special events in the Southeast.

5. Philadelphia, Pennsylvania: This parade originated before the Declaration of Independence. Currently the parade draws about 500,000 spectators.Traditional parade features floats, bands and Gaelic dancers. the St. Patrick’s Day event was first celebrated 2235 years ago.

6. Kansas City, Missouri: This parade attracts about 200,000 spectators. the parade was first held in 1873 but did not take place for several years. In 1973 the parade was brought back to life by a group of businessmen trying to help out a pal by drawing a group of marchers to an Irish pub. The procession turned into a street party, and the parade has grown into one of the largest in the United States. There is a trip to Ireland to the grand prize winners of the procession, so participants give it their best effort.

7. San Francisco, California: The oldest and biggest celebration west of the Mississippi. The parade marches along to trolley tracks. There is a post parade party for the entire family. This event draws more than a millions people. It is billed as one of the most fashionable parades in the country.

8. New London, Wisconsin: Magical leprechauns change the name of this northern town to New Dublin. Parade, corned beef and cabbage and Irish music and dancing. A rowdy reenactment of Finnegan’s Wake precedes the parade and festival the parade is followed by an afternoon of celebrations at Irish Fest..

9. Dublin, Ohio: One of nine U.S. cities named Dublin, this one has been the one with the best St. Pat;s Day party. 130 units of clowns, floats, bands and lively pre and post parade parties. The Blarney Bash Tent features Irish music, dancing and drums and pipes.

10. Hot Springs, Arkansas: Described as what may be the “World’s Shortest St. Patrick’s Day Parade”, by Ripleys, this parade has unique touches including: Elvis look-alikes, green fireworks and Irish Belly dancers.

Wherever you celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, enjoy it in good health. It’s always wise to verify information before making a trip.

MikeZ – “walking and jamming to irish music with my iPod”

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