PITTSBURGH -- An estimated 100,000 people went downtown Saturday morning to enjoy Pittsburgh's annual St. Patrick's Day parade.

The sky was gray, but downtown streets were green with all the paradegoers who lined up along this year's new route from the edge of the Strip District to Commonwealth Place.

"We wanted to be part of the festivities," said Kim McDermott. "Even though the rain almost scared us off, we're here."

"My first St. Patrick's parade," said Christelle Lemogal, of France. "It's nice. We don't have that in France."

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City police and firefighters were marching, along with Allegheny County police and the sheriff's department, and parade committee member Rich O'Malley -- better known as "St. Patrick."

Bob Conroy was this year's grand marshal and Carnegie Mellon student Meghan Schiller was crowned Miss Smiling Irish Eyes.

Rain threatened throughout the parade but never came down heavy.

"I'm glad the weather held off. We're having a great time," said Brian McDermott. "We were here last night -- started the celebrations a little early."

"By numbers of people who come and watch, and number of units in the parade, we actually ended up being second largest" behind New York, said parade committee member Glenn Cannon, from the Irish Society for Education and Charity.

Because of ongoing construction, the typical outdoor celebration in Market Square did not take place, but restaurants in the square were open with green beer specials.

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