'Everyone's Irish in Dublin, California today:' East Bay city hosts annual St. Patrick's Day parade

Well it’s not Ireland, but the Tri-Valley city of Dublin throws one of the largest St. Patrick’s Day parades on the West Coast. The city is known to draw up to 80,000 people for the two-day festival. 

On Saturday, a sea of green stretched throughout downtown Dublin for the annual parade. It marked the 35th year of the event. Spectators lined the sidewalks and Mayor David Haubert road on a trolley.

“We love St. Patrick’s Day! Everybody is Irish in Dublin, California today and all weekend,” Haubert said.

People threw beads to the festive crowd as families cheered on the passing floats, tractors and animals. The school band kept the energy lively as they paraded through town. 

Democratic Congressman Eric Swalwell passed out green rubber duckies. He said he used to march in this same parade as a child. 

“I grew up here. I was in this parade at 11 years old as a little leaguer, so it’s pretty cool to be here with my wife and two kids as a hometown congressman,” said Swalwell.

The parade kicked off a two-day festival at the Dublin Civic Center, which includes hundreds of vendors and authentic Irish food.