Louisville's St. Patrick's Day Parade is usually scheduled for the weekend before March 17th. The Irish community of Louisville, Kentucky take to the streets to commemorate St. Patrick.
In preparation for Sunday's celebration of all things Irish, here are some photos of the saints and scholars who marched, rode their bikes, drove their cars or waved from numerous green parade floats, on one such Irish Saturday.
I love the Saint Patrick's Day parades, organized all over America in March. It amazes me how so many people turn out to celebrate our Irish heritage.
Ireland is an island with a population of around 6 million people. For such a tiny country we've left a big mark on American culture.
Bikers For The Wearing Of The Green
In today's post we're going to celebrate the Louisville Saint Patrick's Day parade. This is the day when this city on the banks of the Ohio river in Kentucky turns forty shades of green.
People come out in droves, to celebrate all things Irish.
Celebrating Being Irish in Kentucky
People are in a festive mood for these shamrock themed celebrations.
The party mood is felt by yound and old alike.
And if you have red hair, then you definitely are Irish for this day and possibly everyday.
Saint Patrick Listens To Confessions
Saint Patrick Leads The Parade
And of course no Paddy's Day parade would be complete without the man himself.
With shamrock crozier in hand, he marches out to set the pace for all to follow.
He is the leader of the Gael and all the dancing leprechauns who love to march in his footsteps.
A Marching Saint Patrick
Leprechauns Of Every Shape and Size
Now leprechauns love a good parade.
They arrived sporting shamrock costumes, green wigs and pots of gold.
Shamrock Costume To Celebrate Saint Patrick
Rainbows are a must on this special day.
Pots of gold may be found all over the streets of Louisville.
Doing the Shamrock Shake
The dance of choice was the Harlam Shamrock Shake.
The streets filled with dancers, eager to dance an Irish dance whether it be a reel, a jig, or that shamrock shake.
Horses and Dogs To Celebrate Being Irish
Now Louisville is famed for its love of horses and that famous race, the Kentucky Derby.
Derby floats are a specialty in this neck of the woods, so why not add a little Irish flair to a float for the day.
Louisville's Painted Horses donned the green.
And not only horses participated in this Irish of Irish celebrations.
Plenty of dogs arrived to watch the festivities.
Our Canine Friend Enjoyed The Irish Show
Remember, everyone is Irish during the month of March.
Thank you America for loving all things Irish and celebrating with us on this Irish of Irish days.
Dogs Watched The Irish Floats Go By
Everyone donned their best green shirt.
Everyone got into the spirit of the occasion.
Camera with a Green Hat
Tartan and Kilts
Tartan hats and kilts were worn by many.
And of course you need some Irish braces to hold up your kilt.
Everyone was Irish and awesome.
Irish and Awesome
Irish pride was truly on display.
Many of the floats were very inventive.
Forty Shades of Green
One display that really caught my eye was the one organized by the forty shades of green team.
Wearing Forty Shades of Green
All the participants wore a green lampshade on their head.
Cool Shades Green Parade Float
The floats were cool, imaginative and fun. People shouted their hearts out, sang a few Irish songs and entertained the crowds with gusto.
What a day to be Irish, or Irish at heart.
Parade Float Decked in Green Balloons
My little Irish gal proudly held her green balloon.
She paraded with the McClanahan School of Irish Dancing team.
She's wearing the green neckband and holding with the baloon over her head, and one on her lap.
Remembering the Irish Brigade
Soldiers from days gone by appeared in full uniform.
There were pots of gold with green and white rainbows.
Rainbows of green pointed the way towards pots of gold.
The people of Louisville's creative juices flowed with many spectacular floats on display.
Rainbow Float with Dog Treats
And golden dog treats dangled from multi-colored rainbows on this float created by a pet center.
The participants handed out candy to children and adults who lined Bardstown Road to watch the parade go by.
What a day of sharing a generosity. It was like Halloween in March.
Shamrock Man
And finally Shamrock Man, clothed from head to toe in Irish green with Guinness briefs, saluted all the parade goers.
A great day was had by all, as Louisville happily and eagerly celebrated Ireland and St. Patrick.
Slán agus beannacht,
(Goodbye and blessings)
Irish American Mom
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Aimee
What a fun parade! Maybe we'll have to skip on over next year! We have ours this weekend and the kids are getting pretty excited!
Irish American Mom
Hope you all enjoy the parade in Lexington this weekend. Happy St. Patrick's day to you and your family, Aimee. Hope you enjoy all the festivities.
Mairead
Aimee
Thanks Mairead. You too!
Mariana
It looks so fun! What a great parade! Happy St. Patrick's Day Mairead 🙂
Irish American Mom
Happy St. Patrick's Day to you too Mariana. I hope you enjoy the celebrations in Argentina.
Best wishes,
Mairead
Deirdre
Ok as a pure paddy Dubliner I have to say Shamrock Man is awesome. When's the film coming out 🙂
Irish American Mom
Deirdre - Shamrock Man does sound like a film. It would be a great title for a children's book too. I must try to come up with a cute story.
Thanks so much for stopping by. Hope you have a wonderful St. Patrick's Day. I know you'll be busy cooking up an Irish storm for all you friends.
Best wishes,
Mairead