HOLYOKE, Mass. (WWLP) - The 72nd annual Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade stepped off through the city on Sunday.  Drawing on the Irish heritage of Holyoke from its earliest days known as "Ireland Parish," the inaugural Saint Patrick’s Parade was hosted on March 16th, 1952 with 25,000 people wa tching along the parade route. That number grew to 100,000 by 1960, 200,000 by 1975, and reached a peak of over 400,000 in 2011. Vibrant displays of culture and heritage at Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade (West Springfield Police Department)(Chicopee Police Department)(Chicopee Fire Department)(Easthampton Fire Department)(Granville Fire Department((Huntington Fire Department)(Huntington Fire Department)(Huntington Fire Department)(Huntington Fire Department)(Huntington Fire Department) The parade is made possible thanks to the Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade Committee who work year-round to keep this tradition going. The Holyoke St. Patrick’s Parade showcases prize-winning floats, championship bands from the northeast, and notable celebrities each year. Musical acts include international bands, high school bands, and the famed Philadelphia Mummers String Bands, an annual favorite since 1967. 22News "working for you" during the parade This year was an extra special one for 22News as we mark the final parade for our long-time morning anchor Rich Tettemer, after decades of covering this beloved event. Rich's last day will be on Friday, June 6th. He will be missed by all for his professionalism, dedication to delivering quality news, and his collegial personality. If you attended this year's parade, we'd love to see your photos, email us at reportit@wwlp.com! Local News Headlines Hampden DA’s Office teaches Springfield students about substance use prevention ICE arrested over 370 criminals in Massachusetts last week Two suspects face gun charges after shots fired into Orange apartment FDA updates recall for cheese sold at Connecticut Aldi over possible metal contamination WWLP-22News, an NBC affiliate, began broadcasting in March 1953 to provide local news, network, syndicated, and local programming to western Massachusetts. Watch the 22News Digital Edition weekdays at 4 p.m. on WWLP.com. ...read more read less