A Pittsburgh Parade to Remember…or Forget!

Pittsburgh is well-known for its exciting St. Patrick’s Day Parade [official site] held each year (rain, sun, snow, or shine), which is noticed as one of the largest in the country.  Due to many reasons (my honeymoon, broken leg, etc), I have only celebrated St. Patrick’s Day one time in Pittsburgh - and it certainly was one to remember (despite the fact that I forget most of the day LOL!).

But, a TYPICAL St. Patty’s Day in Pittsburgh may follow a similar schedule to this:

• Wake up - 5:00 AM
• Jello Shots - 5:30 AM
• Party - 6:00 AM
• Keg Stand - 6:30 AM
• 6 Green Beers Later - 8:30 AM
• Head Downtown - 8:45 AM
• Bar - 9 AM
• Wait…was there a parade?

Okay, so this may be an exaggeration (although I’m sure some of my readers could share some crazy stories and schedules that are worse than this one). But, you get the point - this is an adult parade and the Irish like to drink - and so do the Pittsburghers!

I am really excited for this year’s parade and will definitely be capturing some footage to re-post on this site. Be careful what you’re doing downtown when my video camera comes around! The parade starts at 10 AM this year (as always) and you can continue reading this post for more info on the parade this year (and past years too!)

Here are some fun facts about the Pittsburgh St. Patrick’s Day Celebration:

 St. Patrick’s Day Parade History in Pittsburgh

• The parade here started as early as 1869
• The parade route through Pittsburgh has changed greatly over the past 100 or so years
•  There was one parade (1903) that was the only one canceled due to a fierce storm
• In 1993, a severe blizzard did NOT stop the parade, but instead will forever be known as “The Great St. Patrick’s Parade Blizzard”

St. Patrick’s Day Celebration 2008:

• The place to be is usually Market Square where there are bands playing, multiple bars participating in the festivities and food and fun Patty’s gear vendors
•  There is a “Miss Smiling Eyes” crowned each year - look for this year’s on her float!
• John James McAvoy will be the Grand Marshal for 2008
• Check out the 2008 Pittsburgh Parade Route and Line Up!

Hope to see you there! And, following the parade, send me your best and craziest pictures from this year’s St. Patrick’s Day and I will post them on the site!