In just moments, we’ll have a fine Irish breakfast on our way to the big parade. We’ve been in the spirit of things since Sunday, when we went to Big Day Out. Merrion Square, about two blocks from our home, was transformed into a festival to celebrate the holiday.
The place was completely overrun by small children and their strollers. Every kind of stroller was on display. So was every kind of child, from the smug older kid getting a free ride from the folks, to the tottering toddler always on the verge of curbing herself.
The usual suspects were on hand to prey upon the little ones:
B.O.B. from the movie Monsters vs Aliens, for example. But for the most part, the activities were run by community groups and social organisations. The parkour people did saints’ work of entertaining the notorious skeptical pre-teen crowd.
What was the most popular activity? What rose above the rest, with all the effort and care put into family-friendly and positive engagement?
A bump in the lawn, of course! Kids ran, rolled and fell down the hill over and over. There was no line, and the parents were happy to leave them be.
The ferris wheel was attractive — Anita and I always like the view from a height. The Brian Boru band was fun to listen to, and even more fun to dance to. Mostly, we just enjoyed watching the crowds. The funny hats were just beginning to appear, like crocuses in early spring. Today, they’ll be everywhere.
By the way, we have a photoset of last year’s St Patrick’s Day Parade. If your appetite was piqued by yesterday’s post, have a better look at Flickr.
1 Comment to “Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!”
17 March 2009
Happy St. Patrick’s Day! I hope you are all enjoying the parade, and that the Michigan Wolverine band did not make an appearance and ruin your afternoon.