Wilmington celebrates St. Patrick's Day with parade | News

WILMINGTON, NC (WECT) – Wilmington residents celebrated St. Patrick's Day by attending the city's annual parade.

Parade organizers say this year's marked the longest parade in the event's history. It's also the first time food vendors set up shop on Water Street, selling goodies to those in attendance.

Organizers began the planning process for the parade back in October, and they're proud of how the annual event has evolved over the years.

"It began 14 years ago, maybe two or three blocks with four or five units, and everybody went into the Ice House to have a green beer afterwards," said Steve McEnaney, chairman of the parade. "Now we're up to 41 units, so we're very happy with the results."

Organizers estimate about twice as many people came out to Saturday's parade than in years past.

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