St. Patricks Parade returns after 2 years, along with Dancing Grannies

MILWAUKEE (CBS 58) -- Downtown Milwaukee got into the Irish spirit once again for the first time in two years on Saturday, March 12.

The streets were green with onlookers at the Milwaukee St. Patrick's parade, thousands lined the streets to see the parade, and see the return of the Milwaukee Dancing Grannies, performing for the first time since the Waukesha holiday parade tragedy.

"It's going to be a very emotional parade and day," said Jean Knutson, Milwaukee Dancing Grannies co-leader.

Her and other members prepared for the parade with a toast of homemade Bailey's to lost friends, shared among grannies old and new.

"I guess to like the community and everybody, thank you for all the love and support the continued love and support, sometimes miracles are people with good hearts, and we have certainly experienced that," said Knutson.

Onlookers said they were uplifted to see them dance once again.

"They were very cute, I want to be them one day," said Kaylee Defalkenberg

Organizers of the parade said having it all come back is a big moment for everyone.

"Large scale events like the St. Patrick's parade are really important for society," said Westown Association Executive Director Stavie Callies, "They give the opportunity to come together and that's what we've found, something that was really missing during the pandemic."

"It feels like everything is coming back to normal, the energy out here is unmatched, it's something I haven't seen in a long time so it's good to be getting things back to normal for sure," said Austin Jones, parade attendee.

CBS 58's own Natalie Shepard and Jessob Reisbeck were out here to enjoy the festivities as well.