SIXTY YEARS of Saint Patrick Day Parades !
Really Cold Temps Doesn't Stop the Marchers or Spectators
March 18, 2014
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By: Stephen Kent
"Yes, it's Spring. But you wouldn't know it from the temperature!". That's what we said last year when there was just a little snow on the ground and the temperature was around freezing. THIS YEAR was something else again. The temperature started in the high teens and didn't get much better. The sky alternated from partly cloudy to overcast with light snow showers.
But THAT'S OK!
Bay City loves it's parade and many spectators and LOTS of marchers still came out to celebrate the 60th edition of the Saint Patrick Day Parade!
In warmer years, the crowds are thick on both sides of the Center Ave. from the turn on Washington Ave. downtown all the way out to the start of the parade at the edge of Essexville. This year hardly a soul was to be found in front of the Wirt Library.
A little walking to the East found hardy spectators in front of the businesses, churchs and homes on the North side of the street. It was obvious that the reason was that the buildings cut the light breeze, and every little thing helped in those temperatures.
The South side of the street wasn't so full. The sun had not completely melted the snow on that side, and besides, the shadows of the buildings made it a little colder. Still, there were people there.
About the only thing missing this year was the marching bands. All of the schools passed, and for good reason. Just take a silver mouthpiece, lick it, and then stick it to your lips in that weather. It might not come off again.
But there were queens and courts as well as hundreds of marchers gaily waving at the people who had come out. Anyone riding on a float had a heavy coat and blanket, but they were smiling and waving! Walkers were generating a little heat so they did fine.
So who cares if it was cold. St. Patrick's is a tradition in Bay City and one we have not missed in 60 years. It's still the kickoff to the spring season... and this year we're all ready!
Just for the fun of it, you might want to check out these St. Pat's stories from previous years. It's interesting just to see how digital cameras have evolved since 2002:
2019,
2018,
2017,
2016,
2015-a,
2015-b,
2015-c,
2014,
2013-a,
2013-b,
2012,
2011,
2010,
2009,
2008,
2007-a,
2007-b,
2006,
2006-b,
2005,
2004-a,
2004-b,
2003-a,
2003-b,
2003-c,
2002
For another take on the subject of parades, check out what was going on in 1978 in this
1978 Flashback article from the archives of the Bay County Sports Page & Bay City Enterprise newspapers. Published from 1976 through 1984, those papers were the "grandparents" of today's MyBayCity.com.
Veterans Color Guard
Every Police car should have a passenger this cute!
Celtic Blue Highlanders
Goderich, Ontario Canada
St. Patrick's Day Queen & Court 2014
State Rep Charles Brunner and Congressman Dan Dildee
Miss Bay County Katelyn Mlujeak
Young Color Guard
Irish Colors
Even a "Super Hero" can't stop the snow overtaking the Parade as it proceeds down Center Ave.
Bay City Central High Homecoming King and Queen
Vivian Zhong, Miss Auburn / Midland's Outstanding Teen
and
Bregan Grigg Auburn/Midland Junior Miss
Munger Potato Festival Queen Sarah Irish
1st Runner-Up Allysen Dean
2nd Runner-Up Stephanie Wenglikowski
Walking to represent the Masonic Family
Frankenmuth's Bavarian Princess and Court
Bay City's River of Time Re-enactors
Auburn Glen School fo Highland Dance
Midland Highlanders
Representing Jack's Bicycle Shop
Graff Bay City - 100 years! 1914 to 2014
Vanessa Chambe, South Central Outstanding Teen
Carleigh Rowley, Miss South Central
Dressed for the Weather
Michigan Sugar Queen Victoria Hudgins
Attendants Sarah Kimble and Claire Forrest
Young Champions
Bay City All-Stars and
Standish Cheerleading All Stars
Bay City Fireworks Festival Court
Chemical Bank - "Money Made In Michigan"
Can't miss THESE folks!
St. Stan's Festival - June 26-29
Is that SNOW?
One of the Belly Dance Divas
M.U.S.H Mid-Union Sled Haulers
Mushers dedicated to dog sledding on an amateur basis
and for the love of their dogs.
Erin Jenkinson and Junior Miss Great Lakes Amber Zins
What a BUNNY.
Finally, somebody prepared for the 2014 parade!
Every group of horses needs one to bring up the rear.
Poor kid is right behind the riders from Trail Creek Stables
The tee-shirts said Free Classes. I think you might need them.
Seung-Ni Fit Club
Now that's a nice way to watch the parade.
Spectators into the spirit of the day.
Having a fun day!
We don't know WHAT to say about THIS spectator!
Stephen Kent
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Steve Kent and his family have lived in Bay City for 40 years. He is VP of Technical Services at MMCC which produces MyBayCity.Com. Kent is active in many Bay City civic organizations.
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