GREEN BAY, WI (WTAQ-WLUK) – The luck of the Irish was on full display across downtown Green Bay on Sunday.
The city’s St. Patrick’s Day parade marched along the Fox River trail as the community celebrates Irish heritage.
“It’s just a fun day, because you get to walk in the parade,” said Jaxon Donovan.
The parade route began at St. Brendan’s Inn, and ended at Hagemeister Park, where those on hand were able to check out other activities like Irish dance performances.
For the Donavan family, St. Patrick’s Day is the perfect time to come together.
“This is the day that everybody wants to be Irish and it’s a great day to get the family together, and happy times,” said Mick Donovan.
Not many people are as lucky as Tyler Spletzer.
This St. Patrick’s Day also happened to be his 40th birthday.
“There’s always something going on, but we love the Irish music and, you know just going out and seeing the festivities.”
At St. Brendan’s Inn, Colleen Barker has made the trip from Menominee, Michigan to Green Bay for St. Patrick’s Day now for the last 10 years.
“The camaraderie, getting together with people that have a shared heritage and a love for the history of our heritage.”
Workers at St. Brendan’s Inn say this is its busiest time of the year. They ordered 23 barrells of Guinness beer for the occasion.
Preparations for St. Patrick’s Day began in October.
Their day started with the blessing of the Shamrock.
“The sound of the bagpipes and just everyone being quiet for just 10 minutes and really taking in the day is really a big start,” said St. Brendan’s Inn General Manager Kelsie Basten.
Across downtown, the day provides a boost for area businesses.
“Both Hagemeister, St. Brendan’s and some of our other businesses here on Washington street it’s just super important, you know, they always want customers in their doors,” said Samantha Mirkes, Marketing Manager for Downtown Green Bay, Inc.
Regardless if you’re Irish or not, it’s clear St. Patrick’s Day is where people connect as a community.
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