We
should not have to wait until something as drastic as the current Coronavirus
outbreak to realize nothing is permanent nor guaranteed. By now, most cities are taking measures to
reduce the spread of COVID-19 including the cancellation of sporting events,
theater performances and parades like the St. Patrick’s Day parade that was
originally scheduled for SF this Saturday. Since it is Throwback Thursday, I thought it
would be the perfect time to reminisce on the first and only St. Patrick’s Day
Parade I attended, just last year.
Although
the parade had been around for 168 years, even if I have not been around for
that long, it took over 25 years of living in California this time around
before I finally made it to one and with some self-debating leading up to it.
The beautiful forecasted 70-degree weather allowed
me to sport my green t-shirt and arriving early, I was able to watch some
groups practice up close.
Having experience
with two SF Giant’s World Series parades, I planted myself at the staging area at the beginning
of the parade route on 2nd Street right before it turned onto Market
Street giving me a front row view of all the floats and acts first, without the
large crowds and at a much slower pace.
Led by Mayor London Breed,
she is followed by bands,
dancers,
floats
like the SF Zoo,
trolleys
including SF Giants, bagpipers, and more.
many throwing
out candies and beads like Mardi Gras meets Halloween and others handing out other
party favors like Irish flags, a cowbell from BART, bubbles with a shamrock
wand, and a green SF Zoo bracelet. I had
such an amazing time that I was hoping to return again this year if weather permitted as afterall, Irish for a Day, Hooked for a Lifetime.
As we know now, that is not to be which makes
me even more grateful that I got a chance to experience it firsthand last year.
The event that changed me forever to explore
“my own backyard” and not put off experiencing something expecting there to be
another opportunity, 9/11. Almost 20 years
later, I never forgot.
