Cold Temps Don't Put Chill On Annual St. Patrick's Day Parade
DETROIT (WWJ) - Some leprechauns were up to some weather trickery ... but despite the frigid temps ... many came out to Corktown to feel a wee bit Irish.
Detroit area high school marching bands stayed in step as bagpipers dealt with frozen fingers and did their best to carry a tune in the bitter cold.
"My reed is freezing," said Robert McEwen, "so that's why is squawking so much. When it freezes, it won't vibrate and then you don't get anything out of it."
Thousands came to partake in the charm that is Irish, and watch the hundreds dancing along the route in celebration of St. Patrick's day.
"Not very well," said Windsor Police Pipeband member Brian Robertson of playing in the bitter temperatures. "It's very cold, your fingers go numb and you just start shutting down."
Many ventured a small distance from the parade route; WWJ's Kathryn Larson caught up with McGlauglin near a fire pit.
"Doing a jig, doing the dance, you know, warm beer and the jig," he laughed as Celtic music played in the background.
When you are from Texas and just wearing a kilt with legs exposed, you have to commit completely to the event. "Sometimes on the 17th of March you can have 50 or 60 degree weather, we'll hope next year is just warmer." said McEwen.
He told WWJ that a steady beat by the drummers make all the difference for bagpipers ... when conditions are less than ideal.
