St. Patrick's Day 2022: Festivities begin in Milwaukee

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- St. Patrick's Day isn't until Thursday, but you can still have some Irish fun this weekend.

The 54th Shamrock Club of Wisconsin St. Patrick's Day parade kicks off Saturday, March 12 in downtown Milwaukee. 

And while the parade isn't until Saturday, the Westown area of Milwaukee is already going green.

The Shamrock Club of Wisconsin and Westown Association are working together for the 20th year to bring all the Irish festivities downtown.

While fun events like these are always welcome in Milwaukee, this year's event takes on special significance following two years of cancelations due to the Covid-19 pandemic.

"In Milwaukee, community events like the St. Patrick's parade are interwoven into our social fabric and provide us with a sense of place and a sense of community," said Stacie Callies of Westown Association. 

The Shamrock kick-off party begins at 5:30 p.m. Friday and runs until 11 p.m. at Miller Time Pub & Grill. 

This free event will have live music, food and drink specials and a variety of raffle prizes available. 

The St. Patrick's Day parade begins at noon Saturday on W. Wisconsin Avenue at N. Martin Luther King Jr. Dr. -- formerly Old World Third Street -- and ends at Water Street and Highland Avenue.

If you keep an eye out, you'll notice some familiar faces.

CBS 58's Jessob Reisbeck and Natalie Shepherd will take part in the event.