DC's St. Patrick's Day Parade

Did you know that DC has a St. Patrick's Day Parade? I remember going as a kid, but I haven't been lately (OK, in at least a few decades), so I wasn't sure what to expect.

This is no small production. The parade route runs along Constitution Avenue between 7th and 17th Streets, NW, and the parade website says that it lasts about two hours.

Last Sunday, we met up with some friends and took Metro to the parade route. It wasn't too crowded and we got a spot right along the tape line at 8th and Constitution.

There were lots of Irish Step Dancers

 Irish dogs

fire trucks and police cars from long ago
and, of course, marching bands.

The kids' loved the people handing out green beads and candy.

We watched the parade for about an hour before the kids got tired, then we walked up to Gallery Place/Chinatown to try to find a place to eat. This area has changed so much in the last few years and I sometimes forget that it is now a popular destination, especially when there is a Caps game (there was). We tried and failed to get a table at several restaurants and decided to leave the area to find food.