How Can Dublin's St. Patrick's Day Festival Improve?

A weekend of St. Patrick's Day festivities have come and gone. We asked Patch readers on our Facebook page the following:

How was this past weekend's St. Patrick's Day celebration in town compared to the festivals from previous years? What did you enjoy most and what would you like to see in future events?

Here are some of the responses we received from residents and readers. Add your own thoughts on the event in the comments section below.

There were way too many booths. It caused over crowding in many areas, especially with where the Irish Dancers were. People couldn't get through the walk way. If they cut back on the amount of booths it would have been much more enjoyable.

—Samantha Leon

I loved the rides in the back in previous years. It was cooler with a little bit of shade. But, my family loved the festival.

—Casey Campbell

Hardly any tables to sit on to eat food. Saw a lot of them stacked up near the main stage on Sunday. Would have liked not to sit on ground to eat food. Daughter's plate slipped off of lap most of the food landed on the ground. Had to buy her another $8 lunch.

—Kirsten Nelson Fisher

I loved the booths! It was nice to see so many NEW vendors! I agree there was some traffic issues around where the dancers were performing, but that is a planning issue not a cause for less vendors!

—Jennifer Alexander

Very nice to see all the vendors. That's what brings the crowds out. Well that and the alcohol line was always stacked full of people. It was very nice!

—Michelle Newman-Trujillo

I preferred the rides in the separate lot in front, and the food in the back. I thought it made much more sense. The ride area was jam packed though. I agree about the flow of traffic near the dance stage, and think it could be easily resolved. The stages were evenly separated and I liked the diversity of vendors.

—Jeannine Sullivan Happ

The Festival was scaled back compared to past years. Not as much to do, not as many decorations. Liked it better in the past.

—Linda Sofen Knapp

The logistical layout of the venue was not as efficient with the rides in the front. Having the rides in the back drew the flow of the crowd past all the vendors for better selling opportunities. I was also disappointed that for the same amount of money there were only 2/3rds as many ride options. Having them in front created massive lines and congestion by 11:00 both days. Great parade and a lot of great food and vending! Agree on the placement of the Irish dancing stage, made it difficult to navigate with a stroller.

—Erin Henderson Knapp

Related posts:

• Video: St. Patrick's Day Festival in Dublin
• Visit the Patch Booth at This Weekend's St. Patrick's Celebration in Dublin
• Guide to Dublin's St. Patrick's Day 2013
• St. Patrick's Day Corned Beef the Chef Shell Way
• Reader Recommendations: "Most Irish" Bars
• Your Guide to St. Patrick's Day Events in Tri-Valley
• Mayor's Report: Sbranti in Dublin for St. Patrick's Day, Just Not This One
• Mayor Sbranti at the Gathering of Mayors in Ireland