SOUTH BEND — It was ten minutes before 11 a.m. Saturday and dozens of residents still were pulling into parking spaces downtown, unpacking their children from the back seat and rushing to find a good spot along Jefferson Boulevard.

With fold-up chairs tucked under arms and dogs yanking on leashes, they made their way toward hundreds of other people eagerly awaiting the start of the St. Patrick’s Day parade.

Near the intersection of St. Louis and Jefferson stood a group of wide-eyed toddlers, bundled from head to toe against the chilly morning air.

"I want to have fun!" said 4-year-old Monica McCulloch of South Bend. "I like animals."

Mother Elizabeth McCulloch stood waiting with family members and a total of six children ages 1 to 7.

"I’ve never been before," she said. "The kids are getting older and I wanted them to experience it."

As they are every year, the St. Patrick’s Day festivities were unlike any other holiday, with many parade-goers dressed in bright green, sporting beads and wearing towering hats.

Sierra Majors, 10, said her green hair was her idea and that her aunt Trish Smith had been more than happy to do the job. Along with green streaks, the girl and her cousins Tayah, 7, and Tajah, 11, also had green shamrocks painted on their faces.

All three children agreed that free candy is the best part of any parade.

Adults and children alike cheered and waved as the trail of floats began. Marching bands played Irish tunes, dancers flung their batons and leprechauns skipped along to the music.

As the trumpets and drums sounded, so did the non-stop barking of Bertha, a 7-year-old Shar Pei, beagle mix watching the parade with owner Jerome Wishin.

The man agreed that the honey-colored dog seemed to be barking to the beat. Either that or to draw the attention of the dog across the street, he said.

After the parade, the St. Joseph River was dyed green, as is the tradition, in celebration of the holiday.

Despite candy being a favorite of the day, 8-year-old Mariela Robledo of South Bend explained the real meaning of the holiday.

"St. Patrick is a saint," said Mariela, looking up at her mom for approval.

Her mom, Soledad Robledo, nodded to her daughter and replied that yes, the holiday is to honor St. Patrick and celebrate his life.