St. Patrick’s Day came alive in Sturgeon Bay on Saturday as the annual parade wound through the downtown streets, with residents and visitors embracing the festive spirit before a winter storm moves in later in the evening.

The parade proceeded via Oak Street, moved down Madison Avenue, crossed the Michigan Street Bridge, continued down Third Avenue, and finished at Jefferson Street. Marchers, floats, and bagpipers brought a rainbow of color to the streets, with cheerful onlookers waving from sidewalks despite chilly, blustery conditions in the morning.

The 105.1 GOAT mobile cruised down the parade route while Bryan Mazur and Shelly Lau once again entertained listeners by broadcasting the parade live on U102.1.

Parade goers enjoyed the parade while they could, aware that severe weather warnings were in effect later Saturday evening. Forecasts predicted heavy snow and strong winds to arrive after sunset, with up to two feet of snow accumulation possible in some areas, creating potentially hazardous travel conditions.

For parade day, however, the mood remained lighthearted and whimsical, with children chasing candy, Irish dancers twirling, and even the occasional leprechaun sighting bringing smiles before the storm clouds roll in.