I was in Colorado last week in order to visit this little leprechaun ...my grandson "L". He was all dressed up in a shirt I bought for him in Ireland, even before I knew he was going to be a "he"'. We had just found out my daughter-in-law was expecting not long before my husband and I visited Ireland in May 2008. My little grandson is a blend of many nationalities but I think his drop of Irish blood shined through pretty well in this photo! What do you think? Last Saturday we all decided to go to Denver, Colorado's, 48 annual Saint Patrick's Day Parade that was held on March 13, 2010.
(all photos will enlarge when clicked on -- use "back" arrow to return to post)
Being a life long resident of New York City, I've been to many a wonderful Saint Patrick's Day Parades in New York, but The Denver St. Patrick’s Day Parade bears the reputation as the largest parade west of the Mississippi River and one of the largest in the United States. Over three hours long and with over 200 individual units massed together in a parade of 10,000 plus participants, they wind through the streets of Lower Downtown Denver entertaining an audience of over 200,000 viewers. As you can see in the photo mosaic above, there were many traditional floats and marchers such as Bagpipers, Emerald Societies, Irish dancers, etc.
This parade also honored World War II Iwo Jima veterans who rode by in vintage cars to the applause and cheers of the crowd.
There was also a very fun, retro theme, Star Wars float for the Denver's Wings Over The Rockies Air and Space Museum. It was really a crowd pleaser for both young and old!
There was definitely also a fabulous wild west theme to the parade! Where else but in Denver would you see cowboys, longhorn cattle, alpacas and stage coaches riding by?
As a little girl of five I wanted to grow up to be a cowgirl. I'm sure it was the influence of watching Dale Evans, Hopalong Cassidy, Rin Tin Tin, and the Lone Ranger on TV. It may be many years later but I still get excited to see anything "Wild West" and Denver's parade made me realize that Irish Americans may have immigrated through Ellis Island in New York, but the lure of the west called to them over the years, and they are also a part of its history.
Finally, what would a parade be without clowns? The Colorado Clowns were well represented, which is why in this sea of Saint Patrick's Day green I found a little PINK for Pink Saturday!
Happy Pink Saturday! Be sure to visit Beverly at the How Sweet The Sound blog to see a list of blogs participating today with all 'their wonderful pink discoveries!
Pat - I'll bet you had a grand time with your family. Little Leo just gets cuter and cuter. While you were at the St. Pat's parade in Denver, we were at the one in NYC.
ReplyDeleteHi Pat, Your grandson is adorable. I love the shirt you got him... Sounds like a fabulous St. Patrick's Day parade---and a HUGE one. You got some great pictures....
ReplyDeleteI loved old cowboy movies also: Gene Autry, Roy Rogers, Rex Allen.... Remember Lash LaRue??? He was GORGEOUS!!!! ha
Have a great weekend.
Hugs,
Betsy
Look at that face! He's beautiful Pat and I love his little shirt you got him. Precious, precious, precious!
ReplyDeleteOh my gosh- look at him!! You must have just eaten him up! Our grands live in Florida and I know how I miss them. He must have had a blast at that parade too. Glad you're back
ReplyDeletexoxo Pattie
Your little grandson is precious, Pat! (Great pictures of the parade; I felt I was there!)
ReplyDeleteYour grandson is so delightful! I can't wait to have a grandchild. Alex and Laura are getting married May 7th and I hope I am welcoming my first one nine months later!!! They've been together five years now so they don't plan to delay, thankfully since, at 65, I want time to enjoy at least a couple of grandchildren.
ReplyDeleteWow, that Denver St. Paddy's Day parade certainly had something for everyone....such fun.
Your grandson does look Irish...especially in that shirt. Adorable!
ReplyDeleteWhat a parade! Great pictures. I always wanted to be a cowgirl too. I watched all the cowboy shows, but I guess Roy and Dale were my favorites. I ended up in Texas and ride a Mustang, but it's a car. As a child my mother took us to the rodeo at Madison Square Garden. I don't think they have it there any more...do they?
Little L is adorable. He definitely looks a bit Irish, especially in his Rugby shirt. Denver's parade sounds very impressive. You photos are great. Kudos for being able to get a pink post out of all that green as well.
ReplyDeleteLooks like you had fun and I don't blame you for wanting to be with your grandson. But, I was so hoping to get to see the NY parade.
ReplyDeleteHowever, getting to see Leo is more fun really!
Hugs,
Joanne
What a cute little leprechaun. I can't get over how big that parade was. Wow Denver!
ReplyDeleteHi
ReplyDeleteOh your grandson is super, super, super cute!!! :-) Green is definitely his colour! He is so,so,so adorable! I'm glad you had a wonderful time visiting him and the rest of the family. Yay!
What lovely photos of the Denver parade! And so much to see! And looks like spring weather is well and truly on its way. Look at the blue skies and the sunshine!!
My favourite has to be the Star Wards stormtrooper in a kilt! LOL! Mind you the alpacas and that amazing cow with those horns - wow! - come a very close second.
:-)
And there's still time to be a cowgirl - of course there is! Why not?
:-)
Great pics as always - capturing the thrill and variety and excitement and fun of an excellent St Patrick's day!
Take care
x
You have an award on my blog.
ReplyDeleteBeautiful! What lovely photos you have posted for our enjoyment. Thank you! I am visiting from Pink Saturday.
ReplyDeleteYour grandson is ADORABLE! I always wanted a red headed child; when I didn't have one, I got a red headed doll. True. Oh my gosh, he's adorable! Really. In my imagination, his name is Liam. My kids are Kaitlin and Casey. A bit of Irish in my imagination.
ReplyDeleteI love the photos of the parade! They're fabulous...What fun! And beautiful weather, to boot! But, the older I get, the scarier I think clowns are. Also true.
What a beautiful grandson you have Pat. HIs eyes are of a beautiful blue colour and his shirt looks gorgeous on him.Love your pictures of the parade and the clown in the pink car.
ReplyDeleteHappy pink Saturday
Happy pink Saturday! Looks likes a great parade.
ReplyDeleteGlad you could enjoy it with that sweet baby!
What a cute little Leprechaun, indeed. Do I see a little red in his hair? :) I'll bet he loved that wonderful parade!
ReplyDeleteWe have a big one in KC, too. It's always on the 17th of March...this year it was cold and rainy. I have only attended a couple of times cuz it gets pretty wild trying to park and find a spot to view it. They finally moved the route south of our downtown business area this year..and I'm sure that helped with both parking and watching.
Love the Pink clown car....pink is never far away, even at a St. Pat's parade!
Hope you're having a great Pink Sat....we got three inches of snow last night. I saw on the news that Denver had snow, too!
L, Dana
Pat, This parade looks like great fun! Seems that there was a bit of everything in it. The little guy is just adorable...getting big fast!
ReplyDelete♥, Susan
your grandbaby is so, so cute...cute as a button, i'd say!
ReplyDeletegreat photos of the parade. i have never been to a st. paddy's day parade, but after looking at your photos, i feel like i was right there next to you...without the crowds.
thanks for sharing.
Happy Pink Saturday Pat.
ReplyDeleteHe is so cute.
Wonderful captures of the celebration.
Great post!
Enjoy the weekend and have a lovely springtime.
What a cute rugby star!
ReplyDeletePat, What an adorible little Boy. You must be such a great Granny to him. Who would think they would have a parade like that in Denver..
ReplyDeleteGlad you had a safe trip and back in the wonder city..yvonne
Where did the time go? Your sweet little Leo is all grown up!
ReplyDeleteIt looks like you had a fine time in Denver...a parade and perfect weather!
Oh my goodness, your grandson is a doll! How do you keep from pinching those cheeks all day long?? Looks like a great parade, and my favorite part of any parade are drum and pipe brigades. Handsome Longhorn - Hook 'Em :) But I have to agree with PJ, the clowns, not so much. They've always creeped me out, even as a child! Kathy
ReplyDeleteL is ADORABLE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteHappy Pink Saturday Pat!
love,kelee @katillacshack.com
That is pretty darn cute!
ReplyDeleteSorry for my late visit but glad I could get here and enjoy PS!
Happy PINKS!
In shoes we trust,
Maggie Mae
"Do these shoes match this purse?"
How lovely! your grandson is precious
ReplyDeleteWhat a fun parade. I had to chuckle at the storm trooper in a kilt.
ReplyDeleteIsn't L growing up fast into an utter sweetie. He is definately beginning to look like a little boy now.
Pat, he is gorgeous. And, I think he looks so much like you. Wow! Don't you think so? I know you probably just can't get enough of him. That is how I am about my grandson.
ReplyDeleteThe parade looks awesome! My son went to the St. Patrick's Day parade in Savannah years ago. I've always heard it is wild and crazy fun.
Very fun post, Pat! And just love seeing your little grandson...what a sweetheart he is! How you must miss him... :o) Not feeling too great still, but I had to stop by! Hope you're having a great weekend ((HUGS))
ReplyDeleteDenver did itself proud! Yes, your little grandson does look very Irish wearing the green and with his lovely autumn-colored hair and blue eyes. He's not quite sure what to make of his picture-taking nonna, though! :D
ReplyDeleteLooks like a wonderful parade and your little grandson is a doll! Sure to be a rugby star!!!
ReplyDeleteYour grandson is adorable! Great shirt :) and what a grand parade! Fun times! Good thing you were in Colorado, you missed one heck of a storm here in NY :)
ReplyDeleteYour grandson is adorable! My children loved the parade and we rarely missed one when they were small. My husband works on 17th Street so if the weather got too chilly we always had a place to warm up! Denver throws a fabulous parade!
ReplyDeletePat I love the pink clown car! Happy belated Pink Saturday!
ReplyDeleteawesome photos! cute grandson!
ReplyDeletepaz
Always...every single time I visit this blog I find the most fascinating and educational information. Love that you shared this Denver parade. You included so many pictures that I almost feel like I was there. Thank you so much. I have family living in Denver, and now I know what all they saw the day of the parade.
ReplyDeleteYour little guy is so adorable!