HOLYOKE – The 64^th annual St. Patrick’s Day celebrations culminated on Sunday March 22 with a lively parade from the Highlands to downtown.

The weekend event welcomed in some Irish spirit with the 40^th Annual Road Race kickoff on Saturday, decked out in green the streets of Holyoke were completely packed with those who came to cheer on the runners.

The race isn’t just about running, said annual parade goer, Erica Lumb who attended the event with her Husband, Kevin and their family. “We actually had to get dropped off, because the parking was minimal, but it’s always a family traditional to go every year. It’s just a good time,” said Lumb.

The 10k began as a simple 7.6-mile race back in 1976, and since then every year has seemed to attract more runners and spectators. Many can agree sometimes the best part is witnessing the sorts of costumes and characters that come along with the race. “We love it, my son loves seeing batman every year,” Lumb concluded.

Sunday was the day that attracted almost 400,000 people to join in on some Irish pride. The 2.6-mile parade left the Kmart Plaza on Northampton Street, and stretched along Beech Street, east to Appleton, along High Street and ended just north to Hampden Street. It has been stated that the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Day parade is the second-largest parade in the country, second to New York’s.

Grand Marshall, Ray Feyre, has served on the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade Committee for more than four decades and led the parade as the highest honoree of Irish ancestry, and a resident of Holyoke to be serving on the Parade Committee.

John Maguire, president and chief executive officer of Friendly’s Ice Cream LLC, has been granted this years John F. Kennedy Award honoree. This award is annually given to those Americans of Irish decent who have distinguished and provided for themselves successfully.

The weather didn’t seem to bother many, as temps dropped to a chilling 20 degrees; the atmosphere remained enthusiastic and high-spirited.

“It was my first time ever coming out to the parade, besides the cold, it was a beautiful day to see just what the parade was all about,” said AIC Junior, Erica McLean. “I think the best part of it all was just meeting such a great group of people; everyone was just so awesome and welcoming.”

The parade marked the conclusion to a fun filled weekend here in Holyoke and a celebration of St. Patrick day, all attendees are already looking forward to what next year has to bring. “I can’t wait to come back next year, today was a blast,” said AIC Junior Katie Lombardozzi, “but hopefully it’ll be a little warmer out here next time!”