Saint Patrick’s Day Parade

Did all of the high schools in the Bay area shuttle the students to the Civic Center? It was more of an after school meet-​up for teenagers, rather than a fun-​filled family day of Irish pride. The parade itself was okay. My expectations were not fulfilled to be honest. There were a few bands here and there — the Irish dancing ladies were fabulous. Yet something was missing.
The parade end was at Civic Center where a stage was set-​up for bands to play on. A few venders here and there. Somewhere around 10 stalls selling trinkets and food. Nothing authentic from Ireland or hand crafted. I was expecting a piece of Ireland in San Francisco! With the abundance of Irish living here, I felt there could have been more participation from the many businesses in the city and surrounding area.
T’was an alright parade, but I feel it could definitely use some enhancements.

Did you see me out there with my Ireland hoodie, with the sports mascot cartoon with his fists balled up like he’s going to knock the Irish outta you with one hand, then knock it back IN with the other hand?
See, what I heart about SF is that I can be at the Irish parade straight-​up Jewfro, farmer tan, Asian poker face, black food in my belly, Mexican vocab on my mind, wearing white dude glasses. As in Walter White. But when I sing, it’s more like Barry. Ginga say what?! (
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Three stars is about right. I assumed a street fair happening at the civic center end but there was just one vendor. We got bored of watching group after group just walk by. After about an hour we walked back against the parade flow so we got a much quicker review. The highlight was the Lowell h.s. drum corps.

DOWNTOWN – Everyone should see this parade or part of it once and it’s certainly worth checking out if you’re in the neighborhood.
Overall, a good time, more family friendly than one might expect and a good opportunity for community pride and to see Irish and would-​be Irish from around the Bay flex a little might.
My opinion is that it could be improved – as could others in San Francisco – if the commercial advert floats were kept to a minimum, participating crews were under a common (in this case Irish) «tent,» and the exhaust-​spewing heavy machinery were minimized and not allowed to sit and idle.
Sure, pacing can be difficult when navigating a convoy through a dense urban environment as the Financial District. Still, this parade’s observers weren’t clear when to clap and cheer. Perhaps this could be helped by adding some charismatic rally leaders to engage and cue the crowd.
This is a best bet for cheap entertainment for out of town guests.