Revelers Readying For NYC's St. Patrick's Day Parade
NEW YORK (CBSNewYork) -- Big crowds are expected in New York City for this year's St. Patrick's Day Parade.
Nearly two million people are set to line the streets along Fifth Avenue Saturday for the 252nd annual parade.
Typically, New York City's parade is held on March 17, the actual date of St. Patrick's Day. But because the holiday falls on a Sunday this year, the parade is being held on Saturday due to religious observances.
EXTRAS: Parade Guide | Fun Ways To Celebrate | 2013 Line Of March
The parade steps off at 11 a.m. on Fifth Avenue at 44th Street. It then marches up Fifth Avenue past St. Patrick's Cathedral at 50th Street and ends at 86th and Fifth Avenue.
Parade-goers will see floats, flags, bands, Irish dancers and much more.
Revelers Readying For NYC's St. Patrick's Day Parade
Taking part this year is New York National Guard members from the 1st Battalion of the 69th Infantry, known as the "Fighting 69th."
They'll be marching with Army Guard's 42nd Infantry Division Band and members of the 198th Army Band of the Army Reserve.
Parade officials say to avoid the crowds, stand anywhere north of 66th Street and Fifth Avenue. The upper steps of the Metropolitan Museum of Art provide a great view.
This year's grand marshal is Alfred E. Smith IV, whose great-grandfather and namesake was a four-time governor of New York.
Metro-North and the Long Island Rail Road are providing extra trains for those traveling to and from the parade Saturday.
LINKS: MTA | NJ TRANSIT
NJ TRANSIT is also offering extra train service on the Northeast Corridor, North Jersey Coast, Morris & Essex and Port Jervis lines. Extra bus service will also be available.
NJT also says alcoholic beverages will not be permitted on trains Saturday to and from New York or Hoboken.
For more information, visit the parade's official website.
