I tried to talk my daughter's preschool class into going to today's St. Patrick's Day parade in downtown Los Angeles. It was probably just as well, as the rain started a little before the start of the parade reached its destination at Pershing Square.
The parade was organized by the Los Angeles Fire Department, which accounts for the large number of fire trucks. There were also a large LAPD presence, including assault and rescue vehicles.The people on the back of the Farmer John truck were throwing out plastic coin holders, many of which sat on the street untouched.
I don't really see the connection to St. Patrick's Day, but Wells Fargo Bank also had an entry, a stagecoach pulled by four horses.
As expected, many people turned out in festive green clothing and adornments. This vendor across from Pershing Square was doing slow business. He might have had more luck selling umbrellas.One interesting aside: as the parade opened with bikers on Harleys roaring by and I was taking pictures, a woman asked me what was going on. She wasn't sure if I said, "St. Patrick's Day Parade" or "St. Patrick's Gay Parade."
I've never heard of a St. Patrick's Gay Parade, but I suppose that would be an interesting combination.
Afterwards, I made my way to my local McDonald's for a Shamrock Shake, a treat I associate with St. Patrick's Day when I was growing up. (Hmm...I don't suppose McDonald's Irish roots have anything to do with making special shakes for St. Patrick's Day?) I was told the machine was not working. Maybe next year.
