If you’ve never been to the “Old Neighborhood” St. Patrick’s Day Parade, then you really are missing out on one of the better events in the region. Why? Because the never-ending parade is all about community and tradition. It may not be as showy as the parade being held today, but there is no denying that the spirit is on par. For the 19th year in a row, residents of The Valley and the old First Ward… the Old Neighborhood, lined the streets to get a glimpse of the musicians, dancers and floats that made their way down South Park Avenue, then paraded down various residential side streets. Before long the parade turned into a party… a party that never ended for many. There are a few things that I have learned over the years that you should know about the “Old Neighborhood” St. Patrick’s Day Parade (other than it takes place the day before the big Sunday parade):
1) There are no beer tents – it’s all one big beer tent
2) You are welcome to walk onto anyone’s porch – it’s all one big family
3) Grain elevators are revered
4) Electric tools not only make fun floats, they are also fun to attach Irish flags to
5) Hippies and soldiers all get cheered
6) Llamas are the same size as the dogs
7) A Porta-Potty on a trailer is somehow cool and gets the crowd going
8) Parade floats keep going after the parade is over
9) It’s hard to determine if semi-trucks are part of the parade
10) Abandoned train tracks make for great beer games
Here’s a slide show – see what I mean?
Hosted by The Valley Community Center