Rain doesn't spoil this parade

COEUR d’ALENE — As the rain continued to fall Saturday, a rainbow did not appear during the "Over the Rainbow" themed St. Patrick's Day Parade on Saturday as some had hoped.

Despite the wet weather, spectators dressed in green with leprechaun hats and kilts abundant, lined the sidewalks along Sherman Avenue in downtown Coeur d'Alene.

The 11th annual parade, organized by the Coeur d'Alene Downtown Association and All Things Irish, had about 20 entries including the Coeur d'Alene Firefighter's Pipes and Drums, Winton Elementary, Cherry Hill BMX Racing, and many local businesses.

Hoots, hollers and whistles could be heard throughout the crowd as the Blazen Divaz, a local "young-at-heart" group of women, danced down the street to the song "Uptown Funk."

For 6-year-old Wyatt Dodgson of Coeur d'Alene it was his first time attending the parade. He said his favorite part was the candy, but quickly added the fire truck was his second-favorite.

"I enjoyed that there was two sets of bagpipes," said Wyatt's mother, Darcy. "It was a good start and close to the parade."

Faolan McKiernan of Coeur d'Alene held tight to an Irish flag as he sat in his stroller. At age 2 and one-half, it was Faolan's third parade. His mother, Shannon, said she had attended the parade each year since it started 11 years ago.

"I like that it celebrates our Irish heritage," Shannon said.

The parade dignitaries this year included Peter Riggs, Pita Pit president, as the Grand Marshal. Irish Man of the Year was Eric O'Brien, manager of the Coeur d'Alene Resort Boat Shop. Person of the Year was Mary Riffe, a member of the Coeur d'Alene Chamber Commodores and the Irish Queen of the parade was Angie Hanson of Coeur d'Alene.

Ilene Moss, owner of All Things Irish, said the dignitaries were chosen from people who have participated in the event throughout the years and show a "great interest" in carrying on traditions and culture.

Several people gathered at All Things Irish prior to the parade to pick up balloons, flags and other Irish festive items. The Coeur d'Alene Firefighter's Pipes and Drums group had played a few songs in the store before heading out to lead the parade. One member announced that 70 firefighters gave their lives last year and asked the audience to remove their caps and honor their sacrifice before beginning a solemn tune.

Moss said the parade has become popular over the years, especially enjoyed by families. Before they started the annual event, she said many customers of her store had expressed interest in having one in Coeur d'Alene.

"A lot of people like to celebrate St. Patrick's Day," she said. It's kind of the beginning of the spring and it's a fun celebration — it's fun family time."