Celebrating St. Patrick’s Day Parade in Park Slope

My family and I decided to venture into historic Park Slope where they were kicking off festivities with a parade of their own. We made plans to meet up with friends and headed out. With its brownstones, strong sense of community, and proximity to the gorgeous Prospect Park as well as Manhattan, it is no wonder this has become the place to escape to for many families with children.

We coordinated to meet up with our friends at their local playground of choice, Harmony Playground in Prospect Park and 9th St. Once I arrived, I sensed this was “the place to be” for local parents.

Aside from its large size, with tons of room to run around and play for the little ones, it also seemed that this was the place where local parents met up with other parents also forced to leave the comfort of their beds and homes on an early Sunday morning in order to provide their energetic little ones some playtime. Pretty much every parent had a coffee cup in hand as they conversed with each other about the stock market, the last PTA meeting, and whatever other things other parents casually talk about while their kids run around and tire themselves out. It’s a wonderful play area, surrounded by the lush greenery of Prospect Park, with easy access to public transportation and shops a few blocks away.

I really craved a cup of coffee. Our friend suggested I get some from Connecticut Muffin, only a few blocks down. We made our way down when I could suddenly hear the bagpipers warming up and saw people starting to congregate along Prospect Park from 7th St. I love the sound of the bagpipes, but more so the sight of men in kilts. That, and the fact that my husband is half Irish, is why I love this holiday so much.

The street was already bustling with people, though not the insane amount of people that one will expect to find along 5th Ave in Manhattan. A blessing. Large crowds and small children are an awful combination. When I arrived at the coffee shop it was, of course, crowded, so I gave up on the idea, made my way back, without coffee, but excited at seeing all the people ready to celebrate!

The parade was great fun and officially in the spirit, feeling Irish, and ready to celebrate!