The Emerald Isle came to Aquidneck Island on Saturday, and Newport delivered one of its most spirited Saint Patrick’s Day parades in years — green attire, leprechauns and all — despite a blustery late-winter day that tested even the most dedicated revelers.
The 70th annual Newport Saint Patrick’s Day Parade stepped off at 11 a.m. from Newport City Hall, winding through Washington Square, down Thames Street and finishing at St. Augustine’s Church — a route that’s become as much a Newport tradition as the holiday itself.
Conditions were brisk, to say the least. Temperatures topped out near 45 degrees under partly cloudy skies, with strong westerly winds of 20 to 30 mph and gusts topping 40 mph keeping flags — and more than a few shamrock hats — in a constant flutter. By Saturday night, temperatures had dropped back to the upper 30s.
But the cold didn’t dampen the celebration. What’sUpNewp photographer Justin Walker was on the ground to capture all the color, energy and community spirit of Newport’s beloved parade. Scroll through the gallery below for the full scene.
