ST. LOUIS — Thousands will flock to Dogtown, the last remaining Irish neighborhood in St. Louis, this weekend for St. Patrick's Day.
The 40th anniversary of the Ancient Order of Hibernians (AOH) St. Patrick's Day Parade kicks off on Sunday. Not a drop of beer will be spilled as thousands of spectators will become a sea of green.
Before the parade, the Dogtown Irish Festival will be from 9 a.m. until 6 p.m. with plenty of Irish music, dancing, food and beer.
The parade kicks off at 11 a.m. on Oakland Avenue and makes its way south on Tamm Ave. It will end at all Manchester Avenue.
The World-Famous Budweiser Clydesdales will lead the parade and people on almost 100 floats will be marching behind.
The streets will be packed with people and police. People might notice extra officers in Dogtown for the parade.
It's the first parade in St. Louis since the violence and shooting at the Kansas City Chiefs Super Bowl Parade last month.
That's why St. Louis police are increasing their presence and adding extra officers to keep everyone safe for both the Dogtown and Downtown St. Patrick's Day parades.
"We'll be providing extra security for both events on both days," St. Louis Police Sergeant Charles Wall said.
Wall said officers don't anticipate any issues, but they will have additional resources from across the city should the need arise.
In addition to the huge police presence in Dogtown, private security guards will be posted at numerous entry and exit checkpoints along the parade route, directing traffic and enforcing street closures throughout the day.
This year's parade is dedicated to the founders of the first parade back in 1984.
Of that original group, Jim Mohan is one of three remaining founders who will be honored as Grand Marshal. He's led the parade's communications and relations since the beginning.
"It means a lot. This was kind of a special honor this year. One thing we say about the parade is we never take it for granted. Every year, we put it together, and it takes months to plan and put these things together," Jim Mohan said. "When we get done, we all celebrate because we actually pulled off another parade again. This is going to be a big weekend in the Dogtown neighborhood."
The Hibernians organization said officials increased their communication with police after the Super Bowl parade shooting and hired more security guards.
"We'll also have contract security, we also have marshals on the route. But people in the crowd play an important part. St. Patrick's Day is a day of fun and celebration, celebrating Irish heritage and culture. But the important thing is that everyone stays safe. We're asking the people that come out that day if you see something, say something," Mohan said.
Parking will be difficult to find and will be on a first-come, first-served basis.
Many streets will be closed, including Manchester Avenue from Hampton to McCausland avenues during the parade.
Coolers, backpacks, cans and glass bottles will not be allowed.
Spectators won't be able to watch the parade on the Tamm Avenue overpass over Interstate 64.
You can catch the 5 On Your Side team marching in the parade.
You can find more information about the Dogtown parade here.