St. Patrick’s Day parade one of several events Saturday in downtown Colorado Springs
Scroll down for live updates from The Gazette’s Rachel Riley
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Get ready for plenty of green Saturday with the 33rd annual Colorado Springs St. Patrick’s Day parade.
With a parade, a bike ride, a run and plenty of activities at bars and restaurants, this weekend will be one of the busiest of the year in downtown Colorado Springs.
Here’s what event-goers can expect:
Parade route
The parade starts at noon at Tejon and St. Vrain streets and continues on Tejon to Vermijo Avenue. The parade typically lasts anywhere from one hour to 90 minutes. Parade-goers can snag a spot along the route or pay $50 a couple for a VIP spot that includes grandstand seats, snacks and drinks, an Irish flag and a program. VIP tickets have to be purchased before Saturday. For details go to www.csstpats.com.
Weather
Saturday is expected to be mostly sunny with a high of 58 degrees, but this is Colorado and forecasts can change quickly, so check the weather before going out and bring something warm just in case. Parade organizers say the parade will go on no matter the weather.
Parking
The best bet for parking is at one of the city parking garages downtown – the largest garages are at 127 E. Kiowa St. and at 130 S. Nevada Ave. City garages charge 75 cents an hour, which is cheaper than most of the private downtown lots. Other options are metered parking on downtown streets or parking in residential areas. City officials ask that residential parkers be respectful of driveways and landscaping and warn that illegal parking can result in tickets.
Bus route detours
The parade, bike ride and run will detour several bus routes. Mountain Metro Transit reports that there will be detours to routes 2, 3, 4, 8 and 12.
Food
Bring your own or there will be plenty of vendors selling food along the route and parade-goers can also eat at several restaurants in the area. Alcohol is not allowed outside along the route.
Non-parade events
The parade is one of several St. Patrick’s-related events downtown Saturday. The Pedaling for St. Pat’s ride starts at 7:30 a.m. It concludes at 11:30 a.m. with riders encouraged to join the parade. Also downtown will be a 10 a.m. 5K run for adults and fun runs for kids starting at 11 a.m. For more information, go to www.csstpats.com. Several bars and restaurants throughout the city are also holding their events and will be celebrating with food and beverage specials.
Don’t drink and drive
Local and state law enforcement agencies are planning to step up DUI enforcement on Friday and continue through Monday, March 20. Last year, 455 Colorado drivers were arrested during the St. Patrick’s Day enforcement period.
Magnum P.I. the bulldog walks in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in downtown Colorado Springs Saturday, March 14, 2015. Michael Ciaglo, The Gazette
The 32nd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday, March 12, 2016. Photo by Stacie Scott, The Gazette.
The 32nd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday, March 12, 2016. Photo by Stacie Scott, The Gazette.
Alexis Castor, 6, enjoys a giant lollypop while watching the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in downtown Colorado Springs Saturday, March 14, 2015. Michael Ciaglo, The Gazette
The 32nd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday, March 12, 2016. Photo by Stacie Scott, The Gazette.
The 32nd Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday, March 12, 2016. Photo by Stacie Scott, The Gazette.
Alexis Castor, 6, enjoys a giant lollypop while watching the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in downtown Colorado Springs Saturday, March 14, 2015. Michael Ciaglo, The Gazette
Magnum P.I. the bulldog walks in the St. Patrick’s Day Parade in downtown Colorado Springs Saturday, March 14, 2015. Michael Ciaglo, The Gazette