MILWAUKEE-- Residents gathered in Milwaukee on Saturday along the path that was previously set to hold Milwaukee's St. Patrick's Day parade.
Even though the event was canceled, the color green could still be seen throughout the streets worn by those venturing outdoors.
The 2020 St. Patrick's Day parade was set to feature over 100 floats, including Irish dance groups, pipe & drum corps, even local celebrities. But concerns over the coronavirus pandemic prompted for the event to be canceled.
Although the streets along the parade route were empty, it wasn‘t a challenge to find people out enjoying themselves.
Near the end of the parade route, Trinity, a local bar, had a crowd of people wearing green.
“I've got my hand sanitizer,“ said Dick Clarey.
“And this for health,“ said Kathy Clarey as she raised a glass of Guinness.
Susan Pederson and her family celebrates the annual parade tradition every year. She believes that it's important to take the coronavirus seriously, but it‘s also important to celebrate responsibly.
“I‘m happy to see that we‘re not the only people who had this idea,“ Pederson said.
Matt Schmidt is the Director of Operations for Trinity. He said that they are taking steps to keep crowds small, among other precautions to remain safe.
"Obviously, we're a little disappointed but the show goes on,” Schmidt said. "There's light at the end of the tunnel. This is going to be over in a few months and if we can help each other through this. We'd be better for it," he said.
