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St. Patrick's Day Parade in New York City

The St. Patrick's Day Parade is often regarded as NYC's most popular parade

By Heather Cross, About.com

St. Patrick's Day Parade in New York City
St. Patrick's Day is serious business in New York City. Even New Yorkers who haven't a drop of Irish blood in their pedigree Wear the Green, drink Guinness and Jameson like the Irish and get excited about the St. Patrick's Day Parade. Whether you're Irish or just look good in green, find out how to best celebrate St. Patrick's Day with these ideas.

Saint Patrick's Day Parade

Often regarded as the most popular parade in New York City, the St. Patrick's Day Parade is not to be missed. The first official St. Patrick's Day Parade in New York City was held in 1766 by Irish military men serving in the American colonies. The parade goes up 5th Avenue from 44th to 86th Streets. Despite not allowing floats, autos or exhibits, there are over 150,000 marchers every year.

The New York City St. Patrick's Day Parade will take place on March 17th, starting at 11:00 a.m. on 5th Avenue around 44th Street. Toward the north end of the St. Patrick's Day Parade route are the best viewing spots: you can avoid the crowds that throng the sidewalks below 59th Street. The upper steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art provide a great view or you can get a close-up view of the marchers where the St. Patrick's Day Parade turns east on 86th Street. The St. Patrick's Day Parade ends at 86th Street, around 2 or 3 p.m.

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