Every year Newport, Rhode Island holds a St. Patrick’s Day parade to help commemorate the holiday. This year, on March 12, the festival celebrated it’s 60th anniversary. After all those years it has become a tradition that brings the entire state together. As a first timer at this yearly event, I was excited to see first hand what made the parade so popular, and why it had been the talk of the town for the weeks leading up to it. After preparing for, going to, and hearing the stories of the parade, I was not disappointed. Here are some of the reasons:

1. An All Day Event

While the parade technically is a two hour long event, running from 11 to 1, it normally turns into an all day activity. Starting early in the morning and going late into the night, the day is treated more like St. Patrick’s Day part one. While most of the activities surrounding the parade involve alcohol (at least if you are over 21), even those who don’t drink make a party out of it! Some of these things include going out to breakfast or lunch, getting ready with your group of friends, and maybe hitting a party or two on your way back home. Whether you stay only for the parade or make it an all day extravaganza, you are sure to have a great time.

2. The People There

Getting there an hour early was clearly not early enough. Not only were the sidewalks packed, but there was still a continuous stream of new arrivals. When I said before that this had turned into an event for the whole state, I wasn’t lying. In college students alone there were vast amounts of representatives from Salve Regina, University of Rhode Island, Johnson and Wales, Roger Williams as well as many others. Those groups, along with the waves of families and friends all hoping to enjoy the parade meant for an incredibly packed event. No matter which way you looked the mob of people never seemed to stop.

3. Dressing Up

The amount of people wasn’t the only thing to catch your attention. What’s really wonderful about this event is that the majority of people who attend dress up. From simple green shirts to full out leprechaun costumes, there are definitely some folks you won’t forget. Using anything and everything that’s available to them some parade-goers choose to show just how spirited they are. Using the Irish flag, tutus, boas, necklaces, facepaint and more, there was more green than anything else. Even the dogs and babies there were all decked out. If you choose to go next year don’t be shy! The more creative you get, the more it’s appreciated.

4. The Actual Parade

After what seems like hours of waiting, which for some it has, the parade finally starts. It truly is a celebration of Irish heritage and culture, as well as honoring the state of Rhode Island. With a mixture of Irish step dancers, fire trucks from a variety of towns, and multiple branches of the military, the parade had something for everyone. Clowns, local community groups and bagpipes, bagpipes, bagpipes! Featuring appearances from Mayor Napolitano, Miss Rhode Island Class of 2016, and many others!

5. Spirit

If nothing else, going to the parade was all about getting into the spirit of the upcoming holiday. With St. Patrick’s Day right around the corner and the spring weather finally starting to come out the energy at the parade was incredible. It was clear that the audience just wanted to have a good time, and this event provided a way to do that. From hanging out with friends to laughing with strangers, everyone was simply happy to be there and forget about all the work they were procrastinating on.

Spreading to the farthest reaches of Rhode Island and beyond the Newport St. Patrick’s Day parade was more than I could ever have imagined. The next time you get the opportunity you should take the time to go and experience it for yourself. You’ll find yourself clapping along to the music, laughing with the strangers beside you, and help celebrate our love for the Irish. If only the next one wasn’t a year away!