Green packs the streets for St. Patrick’s Day parade & festival

WILMINGTON, NC (WWAY) — St. Patrick’s Day has become one of the most popular cultural events in the United States, and the official day is Tuesday, but this weekend festivities began in downtown Wilmington.

The 15th annual St. Patrick’s Day parade brought folks to the area Saturday and despite the rain, hundreds of people lined Front Street to watch all of the floats.

This was Emma Walker’s third time attending the parade.

“It was wonderful to see everyone out here, even though the weather is not that good,” she said. “We loved seeing the New Hanover County Sheriff’s (Office), all of the different floats and the princesses and queens.”

Following the parade, the festival began with live music and traditional Irish dancing. Craft, food, and beverage vendors served up a good time at Riverfront Park until 6 p.m.