More than 65,000 people flocked to Ocean View Saturday for the beloved Norfolk Saint Patrick’s Day parade, which event organizers said was one of the best we’ve ever had.
The parade, which first took place in 1968, had a rough couple of years recently. The COVID-19 pandemic canceled it in 2020 and 2021 and rainy weather canceled it in 2022. It returned last year, although temperatures were in the 40s and the skies were cloudy. On Saturday, however, blue skies and sunshine graced the thousands of attendees gathered along the streets of Norfolk.
Last year, I about froze to death, it was so cold, said Ocean View resident Shelby Fryman, a frequent attendee of the parade. But it was really perfect this time.
Norfolk Sheriff Joseph Joe Baron, who served as the grand marshal for the parade, described the weather as gorgeous. Baron said the parade kicks off the year for Norfolk’s major festivities, and said he was floored to receive the honor of being the grand marshal.
Those attending were mostly dressed in green apparel — with popular choices including leprechaun hats, green suits, hula skirts, kilts, beads and green wigs. Many groups set up tents and folding chairs along the street and served cupcakes, green-colored donuts and alcoholic beverages.
The roughly 1.5-mile parade began at Northside Middle School at the corner of Westmont Ave and Granby Street and ended at First View Street and Government Avenue.
Approximately 250 parade entries included marching bands, classic cars, firetrucks, bagpipes, pirates, fire trucks, horses, dogs, U.S. veterans and elected officials. Baron, who wore a green jacket and a top hat, said marching in the parade was the day’s highlight.
That’s where you get to be out there, give fist bumps to people, give hugs to people, he said. You know, it’s really that personal connection that I think is important.
Parade spectator Lindsey Farrish said that the dogs and the marching bands are usually her favorite part of the parade. She said the Saint Patrick’s Day parade is one of her favorite local events, as it allows everybody to have fun, whether through the parade itself, the green colors or the drinks.
It caters to everybody, she said. It’s good for the kids, it’s good for the adults.
Evan and Diana Roberts, who recently moved to the area from North Carolina, attended the parade for the first time. Evan was impressed by the scope of the event.
I did not realize there were so many community organizations around here, he said. I’m amazed. Where we’re from, there’s like maybe two or three. But there are a lot of community activities and organizations here.
Emcee Peter Decker, III of the Decker Law Firm, said the turnout was one of the biggest crowds we’ve ever had in the history of the parade. He said what he likes most about the event is that it brings old friends together.
This parade is so cool because even if you’re from the Peninsula or Virginia Beach or Chesapeake, you go to this parade and you run into people you haven’t seen in 20-30 years, Decker said. You just run into a bunch of old friends and family. It’s a lot of fun.
