The show must go on: Pittsburgh prepares for St. Patrick’s Day Parade amid snow concerns

PITTSBURGH — Rain, sun or even snow, the show must go on.

“I don’t like the snow, but they got 23 inches in 1993 and they didn’t cancel the parade, so snow isn’t going to hinder the people from coming out,” said David Regan, who owns Harp and Fiddle in Pittsburgh’s Strip District.

Regan told Channel 11 despite the forecasted snow for the St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Saturday, he’s planning for 1,500 people to come through his bar.

“We got a tent to make bigger. We got all the beer. We bought all the supplies. The bands are booked and we are ready for an exciting day,” Regan said.

Pittsburgh urging safety during St. Patrick’s Day Parade

Despite a decent amount of snow in the forecast for Saturday, Pittsburgh Public Safety is expecting a robust turnout for the city’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade after two years of cancelled or subdued celebrations.

Back in full swing for 2022, the parade is also anticipated to generate post-parade festivities in the city’s South Side, downtown and North Shore.

With the likely return to pre-pandemic crowd sizes, public safety officials are urging people to stay safe while having fun.

“After two very challenging years, it’s understandable that people will be in the mood to celebrate one of Pittsburgh’s more beloved traditions; St. Patrick’s Day,” Public Safety Director Lee Schmidt said in a statement. “We encourage everyone to have fun and enjoy the day, but to do so safely, remaining mindful that while the worst of the pandemic appears to have waned at this moment, it has not disappeared entirely.”

Disruptive and illegal behavior will not be tolerated, officials emphasized, and Pittsburgh police will be on the lookout, along with members of Allegheny County and state law enforcement.

The crowds will be monitored for underage drinking, public intoxication, and drinking and driving. People are also being reminded that alcohol consumption is illegal in unlicensed public spaces, and open container laws will be strictly enforced.

Paramedics and EMTs will stage near celebration spots around the city.

Occupancy checks will be conducted by Pittsburgh Bureau of Fire officials and the Pennsylvania Liquor Control Board. Any establishments that exceed occupancy limits will be cleared and closed.

Adding to security measures, temporary light towers will be set up in the busiest club and restaurant districts.

In a news release, Pittsburgh Public Safety had the following reminders for drivers:

“Most importantly, please do not drink and drive. We urge everyone to use alternatives such as a designated driver, public transportation, taxis or ride-sharing platforms. Drivers are reminded to use proper pullover areas so as to keep lanes clear for public safety access. Those drivers who stop and block traffic will be cited. If you do plan to drive, please slow down and use extra care on the roads.”

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Flashback to 1993′s St. Patrick’s Day Parade snowstorm

There will be shades of 1993′s St. Patrick’s Day Parade this year with snow on the way, but just shades of it.

You’ll remember the historic 1993 Pittsburgh St. Patrick’s Day Parade that went full tilt through the city despite record snow falling around the participants and spectators.

Snow totaling 23.6 inches fell that day, and the show went on. This year, we’ll only be getting 3-5 inches of snow, and most of it will be done before the parade even starts Saturday morning.

But it still has people talking and reminiscing about “The Big One.”

If you are heading downtown Saturday, make sure you dress warm. Temperatures will be in the low- to mid-20s during the parade, with wind chills in the teens.