"It feels like Florida," exclaimed one woman attending the 47th Erin St. Patrick's Day Parade. She laughed after saying it, and didn't have a care in the world.

There was a lot of positive energy along Highway K, and a larger than expected turnout with thousands celebrating this special annual event on Tuesday, March 17. The parade stepped off at the corner of Shamrock Lane and Highway K at 11 a.m., and marched proudly along K to Highway 167.

Derek Wilcox chairs the event and joined WTKM on St. Patrick's Day morning.

"This event means a lot to many people. We want to keep it going. County plows and many others cleared out the parade path yesterday from the snow. We look forward to it every year."

Eight to ten inches of snow fell around the area on Monday, March 16. Thanks to the plow drivers, it was full steam ahead with this year's parade.

20 floats participated and thousands showed up to celebrate.   

Photo by WTKM's Tom Jeffery.