TAMPA, Fla. (WFLA) – The Rivero Green Festival took over downtown Tampa on Saturday.
Thousands of people came out and wore their greens to celebrate the St. Patrick’s Day weekend. From Irish dancers to a variety of infused Irish coffee and snacks, to even pet costumes, everyone rocked the Shamrock.
Hillsboro County Tampa, named after the top location to celebrate St. Paddy’s Day
The Hillsboro River has a different colour on its holidays, and looks like four-leaf clover.
“My favorite part is seeing us kick off and the river turns green. It’s magical,” said Shawn Drinked, senior vice president of operations at the Tampa Downtown Partnership.
It’s a day filled with everything Irish people.
“We have live music. We have the Irish Baskers, a local Irish band. Another local Irish band, Patio’ Furniture. The Finnigan Dance Academy does traditional Irish dances. We also have a traditional Celtic bagpiper to start coloring the river.”
It is an event where thousands of people can enjoy with their family, friends and their pets.
“It’s the whole downtown experience. You spend the morning in the family, friends, the park, and here, you can stop by business and cultural institutions and make a day,” Drinkard says.
This is an event where organizers spend months planning.
“To be honest, with full transparency, once this is over, we start thinking about next year. It’s fascinating to us. It’s part of our lives. We need to think about new elements throughout the year and plan for months,” Loop said.
“Whenever you have the opportunity to create an iconic signature event in the middle of downtown and see family and friends come here every year, it’s a tradition. When that tradition is set, it’s amazing to see everyone enjoying their city.”
It’s an event where Tampa people appreciate their fortunate attraction happening in the area.
“Major cities across the country, this is a great holiday to bring together communities and celebrate with great celebrations,” Drinked said.
