CHARLOTTE, N.C. -- It was a sea of green in Uptown Charlotte Saturday, as thousands of people came together to celebrate Saint Patrick's Day. 

The annual parade Saturday morning kicked off the day-long celebrations. 

There were bagpipers, Irish dancers and even an appearance from a leprechaun. 

The parade has gotten bigger and better every year, something many say makes this holiday more fun to celebrate. 

"I've been to Savannah for Saint Patrick's Day, I've been to Pensacola Saint Patrick's Day, I've been to Chicago and looked at the green river, but this is wonderful!" says Don Deans, one of the many people at Saturday's parade. 

This was the 22nd year for the parade in Uptown Charlotte. 

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