EMERALD ISLE, N.C. – A sea of green hats, four-leaf clovers and "Kiss me, I'm Irish" t-shirts filled the streets as brouhaha erupted on Emerald Isle, N.C., during the 23rd annual St. Patrick’s Day Festival March 15, 2014.
The festival had a variety of attractions and family oriented activities. More than 100 vendors offered everything from arts and crafts to a petting zoo and rides.
More than 30,000 participants flooded the streets with green under a beautiful, sunny sky.
“It is a great way to kick off the season,” said Laniey Gottuso, a recreation coordinator for the festival.
Each year the party is a huge success, partially to the fact that the festival has a little something for everyone, said Gottuso.
“It has a great kids section and gives you an all-around fun time for the family,” said Lance Cpl. Ken Orrico, a legal services specialist with Headquarters Support Battalion, Marine Corps Installations East.
Orrico attended the festival with his family and plans to paint the Isle green next year.“The festival was a blast and I can’t wait to come out again next year,” said Orrico.