South Bend St. Patrick's Day activities kick off

St. Patrick’s Day weekend has officially kicked off in South Bend. 

According to event organizers, celebrations are expected to be well attended.

“It does seem to grow every year,” said Kylie Carter, Downtown South Bend Events Coordinator said.

Carter is in charge of Friday night’s tent party and pub crawl downtown. 

She says with the nice weather, she’s expecting at least a few extra than the 4000 people they typically average.

“People come from all around,” Carter said. 

If people aren’t coming for the tent party Friday, it’s likely they're coming for the parade Saturday.

“We have a great parade,” Patrick Kring, parade director said.

Kring says the parade has doubled, and will need a new route next year.

“Next year we’re going to go further into downtown with the parade,” Kring said.

With so many people expected downtown, organizers are taking no risks. 

“We want everyone to be safe. Have fun but be safe,” Carter said.