HARRISBURG, Pa. — The recent mild weather arrived just in time for an annual Harrisburg tradition: the St. Patrick's Day parade!
Over 60 groups will march through the streets on Saturday, including community favorites such as the McGinley School of Irish Dance, the Steelton-Highspire Marching Band, the Blue Moon Cruisers, many area pageant queens and more.
For those who prefer a faster pace, there will also be the Lucky Charm race, a four-mile run through the city that steps off from 22 N. 2nd St. at noon.
Todd Vander Woude, executive director for the Harrisburg Development Improvement District, recommends that people coming to watch the parade arrive around racetime in order to secure the best viewing spots--which he says are right by the stage in front of the City Government Center on 2nd Street.
"I think it's a great way to show off the downtown community to everyone out there," he said.
The parade route is as follows: participants will line up on the Market Street Bridge and take Market Street to Second Street, where they will march until turning left on North Street. There, they will turn on Front Street to return to City Island.
Some downtown Harrisburg roads will be closed for the festivities. There is a map on the parade's Facebook page:
Free metered street parking is available for four hours on Saturday by downloading the Parkmobile app and using the code “LUVHBG” at checkout, the city said. Additionally, the Market Square parking garage (on 2nd and Chestnut streets) will be offering $10 event parking all day. Free parking is also available after 5 p.m. in the downtown district. Only Lucky Charm and parade participants will be allowed to park on City Island.
The parade steps off at 2 p.m. on March 16.