Annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade returns to San Francisco after 2-year pandemic hiatus

SAN FRANCISCO (KGO) — There was plenty of greenery across San Francisco on Saturday as the first St. Patrick’s Day parade in three years returned to the city and thousands were there to watch it go by.

The sound of bagpipes and drums echoed down Market Street.

The Irish’s luck has finally returned to San Francisco after a two-year pandemic hiatus.

“It’s so nice to be back, to see all these people, it’s a chance to come together and celebrate, I mean come on, who doesn’t love a nice parade on Market Street,” said said Lauren McCollom.

“Good to have him back for sure, you miss meeting people in those days, the last few years, good to see the crowd too,” Brian Burke said.

Thousands of people lined the streets to watch the 171st annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade. The event was the first to go when the COVID lockdown started in March 2020.

“We were one of the first to be postponed and then cancelled, now we’re one of the first to return, so that’s fantastic,” said Liam Frost, chairman of the United Irish Societies of San Francisco.

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The Mayor of London Breed was delighted to see his town come back to life by celebrating traditions once again.

“Happy St. Patrick’s Day, welcome to San Francisco,” Mayor Breed said.

“You can watch all these people marching by, it’s fun,” said Luna Tovar of Sacramento.

“I’m so glad it’s back, it’s great, without masks too,” said Rolando Vega.

Many say this parade is another step towards getting back to normal, a lucky day for everyone.

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