Annual Philadelphia St. Patrick's Day parade full of fun

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- The iconic sound of Irish pride flooded the streets of Philadelphia for the city's annual St. Patrick's Day parade.

The parade was full of music - from bagpipes to Irish tunes played by string bands.

Along with the older generation, even the youngest showed off their green, orange and white with Celtic smile to match.

"This is her first parade - yes," said Audrey Doherty, with his daughter.

"It's cold out, its freezing but were still having fun," said one parade-goer.

Young girls jigged their way down the Ben Franklin Parkway.

"I used to be an Irish dancer," 6-year-old Malia Kelly.

Little Malia says she hopes to get back into it.

The parade is great and fun but for many of those braving the cold, this is about celebrating their heritage.

"It's nice to see the people who are proud of being Irish and proud of their heritage," said Jim McGinley, parade marshal.

Philadelphia has the second oldest St. Patrick's Day parade in the country.

It draws thousands to watch and local businesses continue to give the centuries old tradition a thumbs up.

For many the day began with mass at St. Patrick's Church following the theme: "St. Patrick bless, strengthen and pray for our families."

Some new to the tradition of the parade had other ideas on how to continue the day.

"We're just going to hang out, go to some pubs, have a good time and be Irish for a day," said Reece McGovern.