Crowds line the streets for Saint Patrick's Day Parade in Downtown Roanoke

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ROANOKE (WSLS 10) - The annual McDonad's Saint Patrick's Day parade drew in thousands of spectators to Roanoke this weekend. The event has been called one of the best Saint Patrick's day parades in the country.

Which ever way you looked, crowds packed the side lines, as they took "a liking" to the iconic Saint Patrick's Day Parade in Downtown Roanoke. For many, it's a family tradition.

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"We come every year since I was little, and I'm 17 now," says Amber Breuett of Bedford.

By "we" Breuett was referring to every member of the family, including her dog, Tito.

"He loves dressing up, it's one of his favorites because he has bling," says Breuett.

Members of local marching bands, the military, and various organizations did everything and anything to get into the Irish spirit, including putting on a touch of green hair dye or a pair of green shades.

While many of the performers came in groups, one gentleman, who has been coming for years, likes to perform solo with his bagpipe.

"Always a great time I love coming down here i love roanoke," says Keenan Holt, who participated in the parade.

Holt fell in love with Irish music since he was 13.

"My parents liked it so I grew up listening to it, and there's nothing else like it, it's the best music in the world," says Holt.

When it comes to this iconic parade, this musician is not afraid to "press his luck, "I think every year it should get bigger you know, until there's literally no more places to stand."

WSLS 10 is a proud sponsor of the annual parade. John Carlin and Daytime Blue Ridge's Natalie Faunce hosted the event.