St. Patrick’s Day Parade

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 2^nd 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.