St. Patrick's Day In Cleveland 2018: A Guide

CLEVELAND, OH — Saturday will be green in downtown Cleveland. St. Patrick's Day promises a festive, probably drunken, celebration will march through the city. To help attendees navigate the veritable minefield with ease and comfort, Patch has prepared a handy guide for the day. It's better than a four leaf clover.

First and foremost, don't drive drunk. Cleveland Police, and suburban departments across the region, have already said they'll be on high alert throughout Saturday for impaired drivers. If you're heading downtown, and you want to chug green beer until there's a layer of glaze on your eyes, don't get behind the wheel. Find a designated driver or use a ride sharing service.

Or brave the RTA. Yes, it will likely be crammed to the gills with parade-goers, but it's safer and cheaper than being arrested for drunk driving.

Second, let's talk about the parade. The 2018 iteration will start on Superior Avenue, near E. 18th Street. The parade will move west down Superior, onto Public Square, north on West Roadway, and east on Rockwell Avenue. The parade will end on Rockwell and Ontario Street.

Predictably, the streets on the route will be closed to traffic during the parade. Roads that cross Superior Avenue will be closed before and throughout the parade, Cleveland Police said. The route itself is also closed, meaning folks watching the parade should not jump in and join the fray.

Next, let's talk parking. Parade-goers need to know that parking near the sports stadiums is going to be tight. Quicken Loans Arena is hosting the 2018 NCAA Division I Wrestling Championships this weekend, with the final day of the tournament scheduled for Saturday. Cleveland Police have already warned travelers that part of the city will be cordoned off for traffic to flow into and away from the arena.

And the city isn't changing it's policy on Warehouse District parking for St. Paddy's Day. "The standing weekend parking restrictions in the Warehouse District will also remain in effect on St. Patrick’s Day. The restrictions begin at 8:00 p.m. on Friday and Saturday evenings and apply until 4:00 a.m. During daytime hours, street parking is legal and signage will be posted," Cleveland Police said on their blog.

The city has also released this map of which streets will be closed to parking (they're mostly along Superior Avenue and are associated with the parade route).

And what to wear, besides the traditional green garments. Saturday is going to be cold, very cold. There won't be an early Spring breakthrough, no matter how much luck o' the Irish is used. Temperatures are expected to fall into the low 30s, though there is a forecasted high of 41 degrees. Winds should be mellow, blowing in at about 5 to 7 mph.

Still, it's going to chilly. Bring a winter coat and some gloves, and whatever else you can find to insulate yourself against the weather. Maybe buy a four leaf clover pin to avoid pinches from those who can't immediately see you're wearing green.

Finally, not everyone who goes to the parade is a drunk reveler. Some are just proud Americans with proud Irish heritage who want to enjoy the festivities. For families that get separated from a small child, speak quickly to law enforcement. There will be a strong police presence downtown and officers will be eager to help reunite families.

Parents should tell children that if, for some reason, they get separated, the child should seek out a uniformed police officer. The child will then be taken to the Child Reunification Center, which is located at St. John's Cathedral, 1007 Superior Avenue. Members of the Community Policing Bureau will take care of the lost children until their parents or families find them.

Finally, be safe and have fun. There's a lot to do in Cleveland on Saturday and attendees can expect a festive party atmosphere.

Photo from Shutterstock