Although it was cloudy all morning and it looked like it could rain, the sun came out right before the parade kicked off.
Chance and Cheyenne Smith, of Gilbertville, Mass watch the 2012 St. Patrick's Parade.HOLYOKE- Early birds gathered on tree belts, porches and sidewalks to get a first look at the 61 annual St. Patrick's Parade.
"It's fun to watch the bands and the people gathering on the street," said Gail McNee, who lives on the corner of West Glen and Northampton streets.
McNee gets up around 7:30 a.m. every year for the parade and decorates her porch with streamers and a sign that reads Shamrock Street. Friends and family help with preparations.
"I've lived here about ten years and we always enjoy the day," she said.
Parade organizer Ray Feyre said he loves to see the excitement on the faces of parade watchers.
"This is really an event for families and for children," he said.
Feyre said there are about 15,000 participants in the parade each year from local cheerleading troops and high school bands to military organizations and more,
A major attraction are the floats created by local civic organizations.
Sons of Erin in Westfield creates a brightly colored child friendly float every year.
"We like to do something that stands out and really appeals to children, said Denise Quinn, who helped make the float.
This year's theme is an Irish Christmas complete with an Irish Santa Claus known as Daidi na Nollaig. The float incorporated elves, children's wish lists and a mechanical waving arm for Santa created by Michael Conroy.
"We like to do something fun every year," Quinn said. The float took over three months to build.
Chicopee residents Pauline Belanger and Brenda Lauren sported bright green wigs in honor of the parade.
"I'm excited to watch all the marchers go by," Lauren said. This is her first time watching the parade up close. The duo found seats right in front of the Kmart Plaza where the parade kicks off.
"We wanted to sit near the front where no one was blocking our view," Belanger said.
Although it was cloudy all morning and it looked like it could rain, the sun came out around 11:45 right before the parade kicked off.
"It's going to be a great day for a parade," Feyre said.