Na le Pádraig sona dhuit!

Na le Pádraig sona dhuit!
I know this is a bit delayed, but I am having trouble uploading videos...please be patient!

 Over an hour before the parade and people have already begun to gather...

 So I get something sweet to pass the time...

 Now I don't mind young-uns getting front-row priority, but when you're already six-feet-somethin' and you walk in front of us AND the little kids there is something wrong with you...the large hats don't help either!

 I was fair tempted to make this face more than once...but the parade had started!

 I am not sure who yer man was, but everyone wanted pictures of him...

 Old man winter made an appearance

I will keep trying to update this post with all the video I took...let's hope it works soon!

I could have sworn I heard someone yell,  'Murica!

There were huge whale floats, fire-breathers, and even kilt-wearing, unicycle-riding, bagpipe-playing, leprechauns!

Where the parade and festivities in Cork's city center were something like one might expect in Chicago, the events in Blarney were more like one might expect to find in Hinkley/Big Rock--a much more small-town like atmosphere--it was charming.

As each group went past the stage, they were announced for everyone to hear. The announcer knew everyone in the town I think, as you could hear , "Hiya Mary, how are ye keepin'?" and many similar remarks throughout the parade.

lots of local groups and businesses

A group called "My canine companion"was there. I have video of all the cute puppies, but the video won't load...

After this group passed the stand there was some discussion behind the mic, followed by something about some Mexicans joining the parade--they apparently weren't part of the parade, but just joined in..."Ah, well, Mexicans are inclined to do that..." said the announcer. We all just looked at  each other like, "oh no he didn't!" and Michelle's friend said,"At least he didn't make any comment about them jumping the fence to get into the parade"

In cork there was a whole section of marching bagpipers. In Blarney? Just yer man there. His name escapes me now, however, everyone else seemed to know him. "...and he's been playing for over 40 years, good job (Robert?)"

Here was my favorite float. This restaurant, just behind us, put two of their regulars on a float with a couple of pints for the parade--sounds like a good time to me!

I don't think you would believe just how many tractors there were even if I told you...

The local Chinese restaurant directly across from me had a dragon...

My friends found it humorous that the background for the warning not to walk or drive through floods featured their apartment building, which gave a front-row view to the most recent flooding this year.

Yup, more tractors..and SHEEP! Did we mention sheep?

The finale of the Blarney parade was not a large brass band or loud fireworks, but this humble cart.

There is a lot of history here

After the parade, the local band (who has won multiple awards) played for those who were there.

Overall, I think I enjoyed Blarney's small-town atmosphere more than the hustle and bustle of Cork.

Michelle, Francis and I went to Reidy's after the parade and enjoyed some mulled cider and Irish coffee. It was a good day.