Scenes of St. Patrick's Day Parade: Festivities take place ahead of looming blizzard

Breezy but warmish temperatures greet thousands to celebrate holiday at the tail end of winter

The threat of a looming blizzard and a big lurch back to winter weather didn't deter thousands from lining downtown Sioux Falls Saturday to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.

During the course of its 46-year run, the St. Patrick’s Day Parade has been caught between the whims of seasonal change: Some years winter takes hold of the holiday while other years spring prevails.

On Thursday, conditions were windy but not unpleasant. Even after the parade, downtown restaurants and bars were bustling.

Meanwhile, the Department of Transportation was preparing to close portions of Interstates 29 and 90 ahead of the oncoming storm.

Here are images from this year’s parade.