SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — San Francisco is going green this weekend. The city’s 175th St. Patrick’s Day parade rolled down Market Street on Saturday, with thousands taking part under sunny skies.
“I love the bagpipes, I love the horses, I love Ireland, this is awesome,” said Phoebe Phonwang from Chicago.
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“It’s such a wonderful time with my daughters, said Kristy Gray.
Kristy Gray from Alameda never misses it.
“Every year, green and white, taking the ferry from Alameda, come here hands free, no driving, candy, souvenirs, it’s perfect,” said Gray.
The parade forecast: amazing. Sunny and warm.
“I’ve been coming here for 26 years, this is definitely one of the warmest on record, said James Quinn, SF St. Patrick’s Day Parade director.
Two milestones are being celebrated this weekend. It’s the 175th year for the parade and the 250th birthday of America.
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“The theme of our parade this year is Happy Birthday America, because you are great. America is great, not perfect but we are great, we’re here to celebrate it,” Quinn said.
Mayor Daniel Lurie was walking the parade route to Civic Center, sporting a green tie.
“Happy St. Patrick’s Day, 175 times we’ve done this parade in San Francisco, the Irish community is critically important to our city, they built it, and they’re going to help us build the future,” said Lurie.
“It’s amazing, it’s a real honor, my first time sitting in this role, it’s a great time every year,” said SFPD Chief Derrick Lew.
Thousands of spectators came out, with thousands taking part. Everyone – Irish or not – was channeling their Celtic side for the day.
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