Worcester County St. Patrick’s Parade today: What you need to know

WORCESTER, Mass. — The weather will cooperate for the 41st annual Worcester County Saint Patrick’s Parade Sunday.

The parade steps off at noon. It marches down a 2.1-mile stretch of Park Ave. People are encouraged to avoid the area from 6 a.m. to 6 p.m.

Beginning at 6 a.m., Park Ave. from Highland St. to Elm St. will be shut down. Beginning at 10 a.m., Elm St. will be closed from Russell St. to Park Ave.

There will be intermittent traffic flow east to west across Park Ave. when possible, however, Worcester police are recommending that drivers seek alternative routes during the parade.

The annual Guinness Celtic 5K kicks off at 11 a.m. About 1,500 people were registered to participate ahead of the race.

The 5K starts and finishes on Park Ave. near Park Ave. and Highland St.

To keep everyone safe, Worcester police will have undercover and uniformed officers positioned all along the parade route.

Command officials will also be monitoring the parade using live video feeds from the department’s Real Time Crime Center at police headquarters.

The Massachusetts State Police bomb and explosive detection dogs and their handlers will be assisting Worcester police with security along the parade route.

Worcester police are reminding the public to be aware of their surroundings and to report any suspicious activity. Anonymous texts can be sent to 274-637-TIPWPD, and calls can be made to the police department at 508-799-8466,

This is a developing story. Check back for updates as more information becomes available.

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