Thousands Fill Downtown Manhattan For Irish Fest Parade: PHOTOS

MANHATTAN, IL — Thousands flocked to downtown Manhattan Saturday for the 31st annual Irish Fest and parade. Sunny skies and mild temps had Irish (and not) eyes smiling.

The streets were painted green, with spectators in their St. Patrick's Day finest head to toe. The crowd was several rows deep, with the best seats going to those who staked out their spots hours ahead of time.

Irish Fest 5K participants led the way for the 60-entry parade, greeted with high-fives and cheers along the way. Candy, beads, and other special treats were tossed out to eager spectators. Bagpipes, Civil War reenactors, and more thrilled the crowd.

In a tribute to late and beloved Manhattan Weather Channel's Dan Casper, friend and fellow meteorologist Mike Caplan got behind the wheel of Casper's car emblazoned with the name of Casper's passion project.

Check out the photos! All photos by Manhattan Patch Editor Lauren Traut.