Greenville Avenue St. Patrick's Day Parade
© March 15, 2010 The Flash List
SEE MORE PHOTOS FROM THE GREENVILLE AVENUE ST. PATRICK'S DAY PARADE >>
You know a parade is going to be different than most when its floats include entries by Hooters, St. Paddy Disco Daddy, Citizens Against Mullet Discrimination, and 214-JAIL-SUX.
And the swag was just as befitting. On Saturday, the crowd screamed for parade 'goodies' while beads dropped through the air like rain and volunteers threw candy, coupons, poker chips, toothbrushes, condoms, Jello shots, and even green tortillas (which we launched to people on the other side of Greenville thereby prompting several rounds of Frisbee 'catch').
The Greenville Avenue St. Patrick's Day Parade is a Dallas tradition that began in 1979 with a few vehicles and a quick trip down lower Greenville. Now the parade hosts 100+ floats, draws close to 100,000 people, and is said to offer "something for everyone's taste, be it bad or good".
Know Before You Go
Time & Place
The parade is traditionally held on the Saturday preceding St. Patrick’s Day (March 17) at around 11:00 AM. The procession travels southbound on Greenville Avenue between Blackwell Street and Yale Boulevard. You should absolutely arrive early for a good viewing spot.
Dress
This is a very festive event, and lots of people dress for the occasion. Of course most parade goers wore some form and shade of green, but we also saw green wigs, green scarves and accessories, clover-topped headbands, crazy hats, leprechaun jackets, etc. Even several dogs were dyed green or bedecked in bead necklaces.
Transportation
Don't plan to drive. Parking is extremely limited, so take DART. There are three stations located nearby (Park Lane Station, Lovers Lane Station, and Mockingbird Station).
Pay Attention
Keep a careful eye out for items being thrown into the crowd (lest, perchance, you get slammed in the forehead with a butterscotch candy while you’re not paying attention). We’re just sayin’.
More Information
For a good choice of hotels with discount prices, visit Hotel Reservations in Dallas for more information.
