Business Owners Say Business Was Booming on Parade Day

This past Saturday, St. Patrick’s Day enthusiasts from up and down the East Coast . To some, it may have seemed like Saturday was the official holiday five days early. 

Though the turnout is always steady, some business owners thought 2011 brought a whole new energy to Thames Street as people manned the sidewalks, and restaurants overflowed with merry partygoers.

“This Saturday was an awesome day,” said general manager Kerrie Philbin. “The weather played a big factor and brought out the best in everyone. People were so upbeat compared to years past and nobody was minding waiting in line.”

O’Briens tented its patio after the parade to make way for more people, and a DJ took the stage all day.

“We had an incredible turnout throughout the day and were at capacity by 11 a.m.,” Philbin said.

As for the official St. Patrick’s Day, Philbin said she is positive it will not disappoint.

“Every year we get a steady group of people that come in on the actual day including many regulars,” Philbin said. “This year is going to be extra special because we are opening up the patio for the first time this season.”

, though a bit removed from the chaos, experienced a much greater turnout on Saturday compared to past years. But manager Jackie LaPiere said she doesn’t see the official St. Patrick’s Day as being anywhere near what parade day brought.

“We are still recovering from fake St. Patty’s Day,” LaPiere said. “We had an epic year compared to last. The weather definitely helped as well as the fact that we had great entertainment throughout the day.”

 hosted two local bands, The Ravers and O’Tooles, as well as karaoke later that night.

“Normally the turnout on the official St. Patrick’s Day doesn’t compare too much to what parade day brings," she said.

Liquor store employees also saw a boost on parade day, but don’t expect a massive spike in sales today.

“Sales were much greater this year than last St. Patrick’s Day Parade,” said Rob Vickers, owner of . “It was very busy on Saturday morning and the night before, but tailed down a bit in the evening. We expect a little bump in sales on the official St. Patrick’s Day but nothing crazy.”

Aubrey Phillips, manager of , said she couldn't agree more.

“This year was so good and bigger than anything we’ve ever seen at our shop,” Phillips said. “It won’t be anywhere as close on the official day compared to parade day.”