The rain didn't come for most of the annual St. Patrick's Day parade in Dogtown, organized each year by the St. Louis division of the Ancient order of Hibernians. But it wasn't the weather that people were talking about in the weeks leading up to the parade.
A lot of groaning occurred over the fact that revelers this year could not bring in backpacks, coolers or anything else to hold foamy beer. They had to buy it -- at $5 for a tallboy of Busch at one location. Still, the new rules didn't stop the festivities from continuing in much the same way they have for years. Which is to say, there was shouting, a lot of friendly "excuse me's" after people fell into each other, and kids lining up along the curbs, reaching for candy and emerald-green beads.
Love was also in the air Monday. James McMillan and Katelyn Nesselbush of St. Louis embraced after McMillan proposed -- with a "yes" -- marriage.
"I'm Irish -- today just seemed like the right day," McMillan said.
The two plan to wed in Ireland.
A slideshow of Monday's St. Patrick's Day Parade is posted here.
Look for plenty more photos at www.riverfronttimes.com from now on. E-mail Nick Lucchesi to suggest worthy subjects.
