ST. LOUIS — Thousands were in Dogtown Sunday to celebrate St. Patrick's Day!
This year marked the 40th anniversary of the Ancient Order of Hibernians Parade in the neighborhood.
Organizers stepped up security and added more St. Louis Police officers, as well as private security guards along the route for this year's parade.
It was a familiar sound of bagpipes and a sea of green that took over the neighborhood Sunday.
"It's just an amazing tradition that we have. It celebrates our Irish heritage here in Dogtown," Jaci Wilson with Dogtown United said.
The world-famous Budweiser Clydesdales marked the start of the parade, which lasted two hours long and made its way from Oakland Avenue to Manchester.
"I love the sense of the community and I love how they throw out the beads. It's just such a fun parade," Stephen Metcalph, parade-goer, said.
For some, like Claire Metcalph, this yearly tradition is connected to precious childhood memories.
"I always remember coming as a kid, and so, it's like, great to be back," she said.
For others, like Christina Hopson, it's a tradition that's just getting started.
"It's my first time. It's really fun," she said.
The 40th anniversary of the Ancient Order of Hibernians Parade was dedicated to the founders of the first parade back in 1984, according to Jim Mohan with the Ancient Order of Hibernians.
"Forty years ago, 25 people decided to put on a parade, obviously we wanted to put on a parade to reflect Irish heritage, history and culture, and we've done that all over these years," he said.
Mohan is one of the remaining three founders, who received the honor of Grand Marshall and marched in the parade with his family by his side.
"Walking down the street with my wife Peggy, my daughter, Bridget, and now my two grandsons, Max and Brady. That's going to be the best part this year," he said.
This year's parade contained more than 100 units featuring floats that highlighted Irish music, dancing, culture and history.
"We take a lot of pride in it. This is our love language to our city here. The local business here they love just sharing the streets with the rest of the city," Jojo Prapaisilapa with Dogtown United, said.
It's a pride that's felt through the neighborhood and one many feel lucky to be a part of.