Coeur d'Alene becomes 'The Emerald City'
HAILEY HILL | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 2 hours, 9 minutes AGO
Brandon Bowcut celebrates St. Patrick's Day in style Saturday in Coeur d'Alene.
BILL BULEY/Press
Jenny, 4, is all smiles as she takes in the St. Patrick's Day procession along Sherman Avenue with brother Wayne, 7, on Saturday.
Lake City Highland Dance puts on a show as they dance their way down Sherman Avenue on Saturday.
The North Idaho Sparklers make their way down Sherman Avenue during Saturday's St. Patrick's Day Parade.
Students with North Idaho College Athletics cruise the St. Patrick's Day parade route on Saturday in Coeur d'Alene.
Paul Mitchell stylists wave to the crowds lining Sherman Avenue for Saturday's St. Patrick's Day parade.
A cheerful leprechaun hands out gold coins to paradegoers along Sherman Avenue on Saturday.
A costumed Guinness character waves to paradegoers along Sherman Avenue on Saturday.
Sprout and Masher the Potato hand out high fives along Sherman Avenue on Saturday.
Julia Shapori got into the spirit of St. Patrick's Day in an all-green ensemble Saturday in Coeur d'Alene.
Craig Moss carries the flag of Ireland in the St. Patrick's Day parade on Saturday in downtown Coeur d'Alene.
The All Things Irish float travels the St. Patrick's Day Parade route on Saturday.
Musicians with Vanessa's Violin Studio played in the St. Patrick's Day Parade on Saturday.
The St. Patrick's Day Parade makes its way along Sherman Avenue on Saturdayl
COEUR d’ALENE — Sherman Avenue was true to the "Emerald City" theme Saturday as hundreds gathered for downtown’s 21st annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Given that more than six inches of snow had fallen just the day before, it was the luck of the Irish that the sun had come back out in time for the festivities. Paradegoers laughed as they dodged snowmelt that slid from storefront awnings.
“We love this parade,” said Annie Knowles. “We’d have been out here either way.”
Sidewalks were a sea of green, white and orange — and plenty of kilts — as leprechauns, bagpipers, Irish wolfhounds, dancers and businesses paraded down the route, tossing green beaded necklaces and other goodies to the crowd. Children scooped up the festive loot while parents bundled up against the day’s “feels like” temperature of about 27 degrees.
Business owners also handed out green balloons to the youngest revelers, many of whom sported sparkly green top hats or shamrock-shaped sunglasses.
Knowles’ daughter, four-year-old Lily, rocked shoes bejeweled with green gemstones.
“Perfect for the occasion,” Knowles said with a laugh.
Irish Woman of the Year Kari Kemp and Irish Man of the Year Cody Craig made appearances, along with this year’s grand marshal, former Coeur d’Alene Mayor Woody McEvers. Each waved to the crowd as the procession made its way from Eighth and Sherman to First Street.
In the spirit of the holiday, a Guinness beer came to life and quickly became a crowd favorite as the costumed character made its way down the route.
The sight was especially entertaining for those who stopped to enjoy a pint at Iron Horse.
“That’s what I’m talking about,” said Connor Bowen, raising his glass as the character passed by.
The Coeur d’Alene Downtown Association puts on the yearly parade in partnership with Idaho Central Credit Union.
Jenny, 4, is all smiles as she takes in the St. Patrick's Day procession along Sherman Avenue with brother Wayne, 7, on Saturday.
Lake City Highland Dance puts on a show as they dance their way down Sherman Avenue on Saturday.
The North Idaho Sparklers make their way down Sherman Avenue during Saturday's St. Patrick's Day Parade.
Students with North Idaho College Athletics cruise the St. Patrick's Day parade route on Saturday in Coeur d'Alene.
Paul Mitchell stylists wave to the crowds lining Sherman Avenue for Saturday's St. Patrick's Day parade.
A cheerful leprechaun hands out gold coins to paradegoers along Sherman Avenue on Saturday.
A costumed Guinness character waves to paradegoers along Sherman Avenue on Saturday.
Sprout and Masher the Potato hand out high fives along Sherman Avenue on Saturday.
Julia Shapori got into the spirit of St. Patrick's Day in an all-green ensemble Saturday in Coeur d'Alene.
Craig Moss carries the flag of Ireland in the St. Patrick's Day parade on Saturday in downtown Coeur d'Alene.
The All Things Irish float travels the St. Patrick's Day Parade route on Saturday.
Musicians with Vanessa's Violin Studio played in the St. Patrick's Day Parade on Saturday.
The St. Patrick's Day Parade makes its way along Sherman Avenue on SaturdaylARTICLES BY HAILEY HILL
Coeur d'Alene becomes 'The Emerald City'
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Sherman Avenue was transformed into the Emerald City for about half an hour Saturday as hundreds gathered for downtown’s 21st annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
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