In Photos: Middletown Turns Out for St. Patrick's Day Parade

Clear skies and spring-like temperatures made Saturday afternoon the perfect setting for Newport's annual St. Patrick's Day parade and thousands packed the downtown streets for the festivities.

The 55th Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade demonstrated one of its biggest turn outs ever this year.  "The planets were aligned," explained a roadside spectator. "The sun is shining, the wind is at a minimum.  No better day for a parade!"

Spectators along the parade route that spanned from City Hall to St. Augustin's Church were treated to the spectacular performances of pipe and drum bands from across New England and overseas.  Island police and fire Departments were dressed in their formal uniforms and shined their vehicles to perfection, while local school and community groups unrolled their banners and filled the air with songs.

Even the Fifth Ward was abuzz with folks in dressed in green from head to toe wishing friends and family  "Céad Míle Fáilte!" or "one thousand welcomes" in English.  

There is an old Irish proverb that says, "there are two kinds of people, those who are Irish and those who wish they were." That sentiment came to life yesterday and it was indeed a great day to be Irish, or at least wish you were.

If you have photos, feel free to share them by uploading to this gallery!

Download the movie

Download the movie

Download the movie