St. Patrick's Day Parade returns, Dancing Grannies perform
MILWAUKEE - The St. Patrick's Day Parade returned to Milwaukee on Saturday after a two-year hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
After years of bad luck that even the Irish couldn't break, good fortune is making its comeback – blessing people and pets alike.
"We missed it. It almost didn’t seem like there was a spring without a St. Patrick’s Day parade," said parade-goer Mike Cherry, part of the Great Lakes Irish Wolfhound Association.
SIGN UP TODAY: Get daily headlines, breaking news emails from FOX6 News
The weather still doesn't feel like spring.
"I’m really surprised at how many people (are) here, it seems like there’s a lot more festive feeling than I was expecting for a 17-degree day," said Taylor Dieringer.
54th St. Patrick's Day Parade in Milwaukee
Seventeen is a big number for the Schroeder family and friends. It's how many years the parade has been tradition for them as well as the date of Patty Schroeder's birthday.
"The 17th – St. Patrick’s Day – probably why my parents called me Patty," Schroeder said.
The parade also marked a few firsts. Milwaukee's Dancing Grannies performed for the first time since last year's Waukesha Christmas Parade attack.
FREE DOWNLOAD: Get breaking news alerts in the FOX6 News app for iOS or Android.
"To see the older people out dancing and just having a good time, it’s really nice to see," said Schroeder.
That joy extended to younger people, too. It was 2-year-old Lane Manthey's first St. Patrick's Day parade.
"It’s fun, reliving my childhood a little bit with this little guy," Paul Manthey said.
Dancing Grannies perform in 54th St. Patrick's Day Parade in Milwaukee
In the march toward normalcy, the parade showed steps forward – and hopeful signs of better fortune to come.
"I’m glad they brought it back this year. It’s amazing," said Michelle Schroeder.
Saturday's parade marked the 54th year of the Shamrock Club of Wisconsin's modern version of the annual parade. The city's first St. Patrick's Day parade, though, was held in 1843.
Featured
Milwaukee COVID metrics improve for 9th week in a row
The Milwaukee Health Department on March 11 reported declining trends to the COVID-19 case burden and positivity rate for a ninth consecutive week.
Featured
Wisconsin candle company sends $125K check to Ukraine
A Wisconsin candle company supporting Ukraine through candle sales – has sent its first check of $125,000 to Razom for Ukraine.
Featured
Milwaukee proposal to curb reckless driving targets repeat offenders
Milwaukee's latest efforts to keep people safe from reckless drivers include a plan to consider repeat offenders a nuisance and then go to court to seize their cars. While residents say a new speed hump has helped.