Pittsburghers brave cold for St. Patrick's Day Parade

PITTSBURGH — Pittsburghers braved bitterly cold temperatures Saturday morning for the city’s annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

The parade got underway at 10 a.m. at the Greyhound Bus Station at Liberty Avenue and 11th Street and proceeded to Stanwix Street.

With about 23,000 participants and 200 marching units, including 18 marching bands, Pittsburgh’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade is the second largest in the U.S.

Photos: Pittsburgh’s 2017 St. Patrick's Day Parade

In addition to floats, bagpipers and an appearance by “St. Patrick,” several Irish and other ethnic heritage organizations were represented in the parade. Miss Smiling Irish Eyes 2017, Sydney Diulus, of Robinson Township, was also welcomed along the parade route, accompanied by her court maidens Colleen Marie Bench, of McMurray, and Megan Rohde, of Munhall.

The 2017 Grand Marshal was Jan Griffith. Pennsylvania Gov. Tom Wolf was in attendance as well.

As the parade made its way through the streets of downtown Pittsburgh, the annual “Irish Fair in the Square” got underway. The event included family-friendly activities until 1 p.m., followed by an adult celebration during which alcohol was available and permitted within the plaza.

Law enforcement officers from the city of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County and the state will be on hand Saturday. There will also be extra patrols and roving DUI enforcement officers throughout the city.

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