WORCESTER, Mass — The 2024 Worcester County St. Patrick's Parade took place on Sunday, and it was a great day for the local community.

The morning kicked off with the annual Guinness Celtic 5K road race.

"I feel very good. I feel a lot better than I thought I would," said runner Paul McCarthy. "I'm really happy."

McCarthy is a longtime Worcester resident and Sunday was his first time running in the race.

Matt Hall volunteers during the road race. He says that handing out water to runners is just a small token of appreciation.

"A lot of us run and when we're runners in a particular race we depend on the volunteers there," Hall said.

The 42nd annual Worcester County St. Patrick's Parade followed the road race.

Several schools and organizations in the central Massachusetts community were featured, including Worcester Polytechnic Institute and the Worcester fire and police departments.

The parade is a tradition for many people in Worcester County.

"We've come here every year and especially now in honor of mom who passed away in December. So we're going to have a holiday special day for mom today," said Worcester resident Deb Thacker.

"I've been coming here the past three years to this parade," said Clark University student Emily Newman. "It's one of the best days of the year. I always look forward to the Worcester parade. I cut my spring break short so I could be here."

The parade is way for many people to celebrate their Irish heritage, but it is also special for other reasons.

"Springtime! Springtime and the luck of the Irish," said Upton resident Pat Patrick. "Flowers and warmer weather!"

"That they throw out candy," said Auburn resident Bryce Levi. 

"I'm not Irish but I love the parade," said Worcester resident Justine Stenman. "I love that everyone comes together no matter if you're Irish or any other culture, and we all come together and we all have a good time here."