St. Pats Celebrations??? (St. Louis, Clayton, St. James: school, moving to, deal)

[mahalemama]

Just wandering if STL has a decent St Pats parade/celebration. We are moving to STL from Raleigh NC where we have a huge parade and celebration and we love it. How is the holiday there??

[aragx6]

Not as big as Mardi Gras or Strassenfest (StL has stronger French and German ties than Irish) but a nice time nonetheless. From their Web site: "More than 250,000 spectators will view over 120 units, including floats, marching bands, and large inflatable balloons." You'll learn quick that St. Louisians like any celebration where beer is involved!!

Here's their Web site: Metropolitan St. Patrick's Day Parade Committee | Saint Louis, Missouri

[mahalemama]

Cool thanks for the link. Looks to be about the same as what we have in raleigh, maybe slightly smaller but still looks fun!

[anduarto]

Of course many would argue the real St. Patrick's day parade takes place in Dogtown and winds down Tamm Ave. terminating at St. James the Greater Parish. This parade existed in embryo when I was a kid and has grown immensely over the years.

At least it's always taken place on St. Patrick's Day in past years. I'd be surprised if it wasn't happening again in 2008.

It used to start in front of the StL Zoo and cross the bridge to Tamm Ave but I think they dismantled that Bridge during the 40/64 renovation.

Dogtown isn't quite the Irish enclave it's sometimes touted to be (lots of Italians and Germans among others for instance) but the St. Pat's day celebration is something to behold.

[mahalemama]

Hey anduarto
yippie!! st pats is a big deal in our family especially for our 4 year old. last year he was so decked out he looked like a little leprechaun pimp

[anduarto]

I think there actually are leprechaun pimps at the Dogtown celebration, so be careful!

Do a google search for St. Patrick's Day Dogtown or St. Patrick's Day Clayton-Tamm

[aragx6]

You know that's the celebration I was thinking of to, but I just googled for a Website and happened upon that and didn't even pay super close attention... my bad!

[WalnutPark829]

Dog Town is the place to be. I have been going ever since I can remember, my parents always let me skip school and go to the parade. Last year was pretty cool because St. Pattys day was on a Saturday, so you could really see where peoples allegiances lay (either Downtown or Dog Town), and I was glad to see Dog Town packed and hopping, it was a blast. Ill always stand by the claim that Dog Town is the "real" parade. Thats where the real old time Irish in St. Louis go.

[breer23]

Originally Posted by anduarto

It used to start in front of the StL Zoo and cross the bridge to Tamm Ave but I think they dismantled that Bridge during the 40/64 renovation.

FYI: they re-built the Tamm Ave. Bridge over 40/64, so if the parade indeed starts at the Zoo, they can still cross over to Oakland Ave. and turn at Pat's Bar & Grill to get onto Tamm Ave.

[Bobster]

You know, there are only two types of people on St. Patty's day...The Irish and those that wish they were! ;-)

My vote goes to Dogtown!

May you be in heaven an half an hour before the devil knows you're dead!