When Irish hearts are happy, the world seems a little brighter even when it’s cold and blustery outside.
NEW ORLEANS - The wind is expected to be in the 40s and 40s when the Irish Channel St. Patrick's Day Parade kicks off in New Orleans on Saturday.
Organizers say Irish eyes will be smiling even if the weather gets a little better.
"We're going to have a great time no matter what," said Parade VP Ronnie Burke. "As long as the winds don't pick up to about 60 mph, everything should be fine."
The parade was the first major event in New Orleans canceled two years ago because of the pandemic.
"We're ready for two years," Burke said. “We hit the streets on Saturday. We have got 1,200 members in the organization. We have 44 units in the parade. So, we'll have a good time."
The 22 tons of cabbage and other thrown riders for the crowd would include the five Arnold brothers.
This year, they are riding in honor of their late father, former Algiers tax assessor Tom Arnold, who passed away in June.
Billy Arnold said, "He will live on in all our hearts, for everyone in this group because he drives this thing and grows this group we ride with."
Arnold said all riders are excited to be back on the parade route.
"It will be great. No rain. It's going to be a little cold, dress properly."
In Metairie, officials from Sunday's Metairie Road St. Patrick's Day Parade gather at Fulco's Bar on Friday afternoon for their annual kick-off.
"The Irish have all the luck in the world," said parade president Dan Civello. "We're going to have fun no matter what the weather."
Civello says the Metairie event is the largest St. Patrick's Day parade in the world.
"They'll be throwing a lot of vegetables, a lot of pearls, we have 48 floats and 50 trucks," Civallo said. "We have 13 marching groups."
Back at the Irish Channel Float Den, riders expect a packed parade route despite the frigid temperatures. He had some advice for parade-goers.
"We can have a little Irish coffee in the morning," Burke said. "Come out and enjoy the celebration."
"Bundle up," Arnold said. "I'm going to wear a cloak, so if I can do it, you can do it."
When Irish hearts are happy, the world seems a little brighter even when the world is cold and hazy outside.
Patrick's Day parades are planned for Slidell, Covington and Beau LaFourche this weekend.