For the first time since 2019, Pittsburgh’s St. Patrick’s Day parade will go on as planned in March, and police are expecting its return to be very well-attended.
“After two very challenging years, it’s understandable that people will be in the mood to celebrate one of Pittsburgh’s most beloved traditions: St. Patrick’s Day,” said Public Safety Director Lee Schmidt.
The parade was canceled in 2020 as the covid-19 pandemic took hold. In 2021, it was pushed to September as covid cases again surged throughout the winter and into the early spring.
Schmidt urged revelers to keep in mind that “while the worst of the pandemic appears to have waned at this moment, it has not disappeared entirely.”
In addition to large crowds along the parade route, authorities also expect the usual party spots – the South Side, Downtown and the North Shore – to see crowds reminiscent of pre-pandemic celebrations.
Temporary light towers will be in the busiest areas, and firefighters and liquor control officers will be doing occupancy checks. Schmidt said bars and restaurants exceeding their posted occupancy limits will be cleared and closed.
Related:
• Pittsburgh’s St. Patrick’s Day parade, celebration ranked among best in country
As with most city celebrations, Pittsburgh police will be out in full force, including the mounted unit, motorcycle and bicycle units, and K-9 units. County and state police also will be patrolling.
Source: Police brace for large crowds as Pittsburgh’s St. Patrick’s Day parade returns | TribLIVE.com
