ST. LOUIS – Whether you were a longtime lover of the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Dogtown or a first-time attendee, there was a festive atmosphere Monday morning, although temperatures were in the upper 30s at the 11 a.m. start time.

“I’m from Japan, so I don’t celebrate traditionally,” said Ayumi Cullen, a first-time attendee. “We have been to other parades but not this one.”

Those would expect a lot of green to be worn at the St. Patrick’s Day parade, and you would be rewarded for that thought.

Your prize, should you choose to accept it, beads and lots of them.

“We started it out in college and now we’ve added a few additions and try to keep the tradition rolling,” said Kristin Rutzinski, another visitor.

Yes, beads were handed out; throwing is discouraged by organizers, as handing over the beads to outstretched arms decreases the odds of a random person getting smacked in the face by a set of St. Paddy’s day beads.

The ancient order of Hibernians St. Patrick’s Day parade has been held since 1984.

This year’s parade features chiefs and dignitaries and the occasional St. Patrick on stilts. The route this year headed South down Tamm Avenue from Oakland to Manchester, and the Dogtown Irish festival is taking place along the parade route.

“This is such a great community event,” said Travis Baggett. “It brings everyone together, regardless of political affiliation or where you’re from and this is such a great moment for our community, every single year.