Photographers and videographers from The Republican and Masslive.com were on hand to capture the excitement of the St. Patrick's Parade in Holyoke
HOLYOKE – A slew of photographers and videographers from The Republican and Masslive.com scattered themselves along the St. Patrick’s parade route in Holyoke Sunday to capture the excitement, the celebrations, and the character of the annual Western Massachusetts festivity.
Republican staff photographer David Molnar photographed the beginning of the route in the area between the Yankee Pedlar Inn, Holyoke High School, and the K-Mart plaza.
His gallery can be seen to the right.
“The people that come to this parade are always really nice. Everybody’s really friendly. Towards where I shoot from it’s a lot of families that stake out their spot every year and stay in the same area every year. I’m always amazed at how nice the people year,” Molnar said. 
Republican staff photographer Michael Beswick photographed the opposite end of the parade near the judge’s tent on High Street.
“It seemed like the numbers were up. The people in the parade and the parade watchers were all having a good time. People were playing around and joking. In fact I have a pretty good picture of Mayor Bissonnette holding up a sign saying ‘Kiss me I’m Irish,” said Beswick.
Beswick's gallery can be seen to the left.
Masslive.com producer Mandy Hofmockel spent the afternoon photographing parade-goers with eye-catching costumes near the corner of Northampton and Beech streets.
“This was my first year in Holyoke for the St. Patrick’s Parade. I had a great time shooting and met a lot of really interesting people. I’m excited to hopefully check it out again next year,” Hofkockel said.
Be sure to check out the accompanying video that compliments Hofmockel’s gallery.