ROCHESTER, N.Y. (WROC) - The streets of downtown Rochester were filled with green on Saturday for the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade! Folks from across the area showed up and showed off their spirit, decked out in green attire and waving their Irish flags with pride. The team from News 8 WRO C attend the festivities every year, and just as they look forward to the tradition, so do many families in our community. "I love that Rochester has so many opportunities for people to get out, get together and have a good time," Roc Around Events organizer Robyn Karma said. "This parade is definitely one of my favorites. I was out here last year too, and it always blows a fresh breeze of air into my sails." The parade stepped off at the corner of East Avenue at Alexander Street at 12:30 p.m., stretching along Main Street and ending at Main and Fitzhugh Streets. Some folks, including Nick Benes, enjoy the positivity festivities like this radiate. "This is what brings everyone together, this is what we need in the world is everyone coming together and just celebrating, having a good time and enjoying themselves," Benes said. Along the parade route, local vendors sold merchandise, many bars around East and Alexander opened early for patrons and restaurants were packed. For many, the St. Patrick's Day Parade marks the start of festival season in the community, and they're looking forward to the next opportunity to come together and celebrate. "I love interacting with the people of our community and getting to meet everyone," Benes said. "I love getting to talk to them, hear their stories and get a piece of the culture around here. It's awesome!" Some upcoming festivities in the Rochester area as the weather warms up include the Rochester Jazz Festival and the Lilac Festival. ...read more read less