Revelers Celebrate Lepre-Con In Hoboken Saturday

HOBOKEN, N.J. (CBSNewYork) -- A sea of green spread across Washington Street in Hoboken Saturday for the first annual Lepre-Con.

The annual St. Patrick's Day parade was canceled because of rowdy behavior last year.

Police were out in force, enforcing a zero tolerance policy for those caught drinking in public. Violators face up to a $2,000 dine and possible community service.

However, most of the young crowd enjoyed the day-long pub crawl, within boundaries.

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"Hasn't been any problems yet. Just going to the bar and haven't had to deal with cops. As long as you're responsible, you're fine," one celebrant told Baumgarten.

Participants were encouraged to dress up as Leprechauns or in other Irish attire.

The St. Patrick's Day parade committee decided to cancel what would have been their 26th annual parade after the city decided to hold the event on a Wednesday instead of the first Saturday in March.

Mayor Dawn Zimmer explained the move was necessary to "reduce the amount of partying that occurs" on a day which traditionally includes heavy drinking.

Zimmer had said the aftermath of the parade has gotten out of control.

"Last year it reached a fever pitch with high levels of property damage, urination on the streets and people's homes, reports of sexual assaults, there were flower pots that were even thrown on our firemen when they responded to a call," Zimmer said.

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