St. Patrick's Day weekend was kicked into full swing on Thursday with the greening of the downtown canal. Mayor Greg Ballard, Hoosier Lottery CEO Maurice Markey and Indy Sports Foundation Board President and Irish Citizen of the Year Bob Welch officially greened the canal Thursday evening.

The annual tradition kicks off an array of activities in the city. The parade begins around 11:45 Friday and will wind its way around downtown. The parade is followed by a festival downtown near the World War II Memorial. The festivities continue with the Shamrock Run/Walk Saturday morning followed by two days of parties across the city.