Indy turns green for St. Patty's Day

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - Hundreds of people lined the streets of downtown Indianapolis for the annual St. Patrick's Day parade.

Parade goers came early and prepared to get just the right vantage point.

Cassandra Cook drove from Terre Haute with her 5-month-old daughter. It's their first time watching the parade and made sure to find just the right spot.

"It had all the music and it looked like a fun spot to be in next to the beer tent,” she said.

When the St. Patrick's Day parade stepped off it was clear green was the color of the day;
Green hats, green beads, green leprechauns.

"I'm wearing an outfit my grandfather wore in the St. Patty's Day parade for many, many years. He had this made right here in Indianapolis, a costume company," said Rebecca Pierle.

This is the 30th year for the St. Patrick's parade. It's endured all sorts of weather from frigid to rainy but this day Mother Nature cooperated.

"It's just fun to watch the parade. It's spring. It's just nice to be outside and be with people again after a long winter," said Indianapolis resident Carmen Allen.

The parade had everything from politicians to parochial schools. WISH-TV was well-represented with Debby, Eric, Angela and AC and "Indy Style's" new hosts, Andi Hauser and Tracy Forner.

Earlier Wednesday morning, Mayor Greg Ballard poured dye into the downtown canal and within seconds the entire canal turned green.