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Paddy's Day Parade 2013: Fifty Degrees Cooler Than 2012

Click Here To See WCCO's Photo Gallery Of The Minneapolis St. Patrick's Day Parade!

ST. PAUL, Minn. (WCCO) - This year's St. Patrick's Day parade celebrations were not like last year's, especially weather-wise.

In 2012, people crowded the streets wearing tank tops and flip flops as temps soared to 80 degrees. This year, it was all about scarves and boots as temps hovered in the upper 20s.

Last year, bar owners used tents to keep the heat out. But this year, they used them to keep the heat in. Despite the weather, the show went on - and on a different stage than normal.

Last year, the party spilled into the streets. This year, the street was blocked off and people were free to walk and drink as they pleased. It was the first time St. Paul tried the block-party layout.

Public traditions like the parade went on as usual, as did private traditions - like those of the Rudiger family. They came to the old Gallivan's bar year after year - reserving the same booth, and passing down the tradition.

The owner of Gallivan's came up with the idea for a St. Patrick's parade back in 1967. That establishment is gone, and is now called The American Burger Bar.

The City of St. Paul tells WCCO they used more tents and tried the block-party format in an attempt to draw in more people in spite of the cold temps.

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