As the unofficial St. Paul ambassador of the Mpls Metroblog, it’s my duty to direct your attention to the official St. Patrick’s Day Parade in downtown St. Paul this Friday, March 17 at noon.

It’s on 4th Street from Sibley to Rice Park - here’s a map of the route

I went last year (it was freezing!), and I guess I’d say the parade is as fun as you want to make it. It was clear that many/most of the participants had been drinking, and perhaps many of the onlookers had, as well. Beer with green food coloring is known to lessen the cold, you know.

One fun aspect of the St. Paul St. Patty’s Day Parade is that anyone is welcome to join the parade. From their Web site:

If you are not a member of an organized unit but wish to march, look for the sign representing the Irish County from which your forefathers came, or the club or organization with which you would like to march.

Look for the Reilly Clan, the Sullivans, the McManus Clan, etc. etc. and simply join them! Hilarious.

Oh, and I recommend stopping off for a Shamrock Shake prior to the parade, add a drop or six of Crème de Menthe and really help yourself get in that Irish spirit - especially if you have to go back to work.

Related posts:

1. Your Source For Poodle Club News
2. MSP = Minneapolis St. Patrick?
3. Rally for Immigration
4. St. Paul Winter Carnival Parade Saturday
5. Northeast Parade