St. Patrick's Day in San Francisco

WHAT:
The 156th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade & Celebration, the oldest and largest parade of its kind west of the Mississippi River. Presented by the United Irish Societies of San Francisco.

WHERE:
The parade route starts at 2nd and Market and ends in front of City Hall. The Irish Family Festival will take place at Civic Center Plaza.

WHEN:
The parade starts at 2nd and Market at 11:30 a.m., and the all-day festival kicks off at 10 a.m. and lasts until 5 p.m.

HISTORY:
The city's first St. Patrick's Day celebration took place in 1851. Though no parade was held that year, there was a party: one in Hayes Valley Park. There was also a Shamrock Ball.

In 1852, the San Francisco Hibernian Society held its first annual banquet, and in 1853, the Association of the Sons of the Emerald Isle sponsored the first ever St. Patrick's Day parade in the city. In 2002, the 150th annivesary was celebrated and this year, the United Irish Societies of San Francisco presents the 156th parade, to go along with the 4th Annual St. Patrick's Festival.

SAVE THE DATE:
In 2004, San Francisco's St. Patrick's Day celebration drew more than 100,000 people. Though it unfortunately rained out in 2006, with Irish luck, there will be clear skies in 2008.

Of course, there's the old saying that everyone's an honorary Irish person on St. Patrick's Day, but attending the parade and all-day festivities really brings that saying home. Line the parade routes and witness the pride and tradition of Ireland as more than 5,000 dancers, musicians, flag bearers, and other groups from all over California make their way down 2nd and Market towards City Hall.

Floats will naturally represent and be judged, as will Irish dance groups and marching units. Look for bands like the city's Irish Pipers and the San Mateo Bearcat Marching Band. For dog lovers, the Irish Wolfhound Rescue Trust will be on hand to showcase these lovely creatures (the tallest breed there is). And of course, city officials will also come out in support of the parade and festivities. All who attend are promised to be “gifted with the Luck of the Irish, a twinkle and a smile.”

THE FESTIVAL:
In addition to the must-see parade, there will also be the Irish festival happening at Civic Center Plaza, the fourth annual and counting. Perfect for families, the fest will feature live music, face-painting, Irish bread contest, a world-class beer garden, and other Irish favorites.

The live music performers for 2007 included Shana Morrison, Avalon Rising and Culann's Hounds. The lineup for 2008 will feature The Gasman, The Hooks, Jerry Hannan Band, and The Bog Savages (playing their Irish rebel music).

As for how to get to the parade/festival, public transportation is your best bet. Visit the official site for parking, BART and Muni information to plan your day.

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