St. Paddy’s Day ‘ShamROCKING’ San Antonio Style

Photos by Cathy Kozub

The rain cleared, and the skies were blue over San Antonio! On Saturday, March 12, and Sunday March 13, 2016, San Antonio celebrated its annual dyeing o’ the river green in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. On Sunday, the fabulous Murphy’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade was held. It has been said that being Texas is not about where you live, it’s about your state of mind and the folks here have a truly “Texan” state of mind!

Dyeing O’ the River Green

Each year, San Antonio dyes its river green in honor of St. Patrick’s Day. This year, the event was held on March 12 and 13, 2016. What a gorgeous shamrock green!

Great Local Vendors

Lined along the sides of the Riverwalk were plenty of merchants selling jewelry, candles, sand art decorations, t-shirts, crosses, and much more. There were plenty of truly unique gifts and souvenirs!

Plenty of Tasty Eats

The San Antonio Riverwalk has a great variety of foods to choose from and at all price ranges. Want something more fancy and pricey? Try The Republic of Texas, Café Ole, Lone Star Café San Antonio River (Bar-B-Que, burgers, steaks), or Tony Romo’s. Looking for a little less expensive? The Rivercenter Mall has places to eat such as Chili’s, Hooters, Dairy Queen and many more.  You can enjoy all these places while sitting outside along the Riverwalk. What a great view! You can also bring a sack lunch and find a table to enjoy your own food.

Beautiful Floats Along the Parade Route

What could be more exciting than being part of this parade as a visitor? Sit back, relax, and enjoy a narrated, award-winning river cruise ride through the middle of downtown. This truly unique attraction has cruise boats named after Laura Bush, Carol Burnett and other famous ladies. Imagine the surprise to these visitors to find out they would be part of the parade!

Family Fun Cruises

Rio San Antonio Cruises available daily. The hours for this cruise ride is from 9 a.m to 9 p.m., sometimes running later. These Texans like to share the San Antonio hospitality.

Individual fares are:
$8.25 – General Admission
$6.00 – Bexar County Residents
$2.00 – Children (1-5 years)
$6.00 – Senior Citizens (60 & older) & United States Military

All prices are tax inclusive. Discount prices require picture ID.

Awesome Music

The music not only was unique to the Hispanic culture, but also to the culture of the Irish. Participants on floats played music and wore Irish attire.

The Wildlife Enjoy the Festivities, Too!

This little guy (or gal) looked like they were enjoying the fun in the parade, too. Doesn’t he/she look happy? It certainly is a unique experience to have the wildlife participate in the festivities, too!

And of course, GREEN BEER!

Guzzle down the green, delightful beer as you celebrate with with family, friends, and the locals in the Texas Hill Country. God Bless Texas!