Atlanta St. Patrick’s Parade 2018

If you were in Midtown on Saturday, you probably were seeing a lot of green. While Savannah might have the nation’s second-largest St. Patrick’s Day parade, the state’s capital city also gets in the festive holiday spirit each year. Despite a soggy start on Saturday, the parade pushed ahead down Peachtree Street.

Varona Malkoff (left) and her brother Drexel try to stay dry while watching the St. Patrick's Parade in Atlanta on Peachtree Street on Saturday, March 17, 2018. STEVE SCHAEFER / SPECIAL TO THE AJC

Started in 1858 by the city’s Hibernian Benevolent Society, the Atlanta St. Patrick’s Parade has evolved from modest beginnings to an expansive display of Irish culture.

Carol White watches the parade in Midtown on Saturday, March 17, 2018. STEVE SCHAEFER / SPECIAL TO THE AJC

Beginning at 15th Street and marching down Peachtree Street to 5th Street, the parade features the Bagpipe Drum & Corps as well as floats, clowns, bands, drill teams and traditional Irish dancers.

Kala Halet (center) holds up a Girl Scouts banner while marching in the Atlanta St. Patrick's Parade on Peachtree Street on Saturday, March 17, 2018. STEVE SCHAEFER / SPECIAL TO THE AJC

The organizers estimate that the parade draws 80,000 spectators each year.