Gorgeous weather, Guinness and the Mayor make for a perfect St. Patrick's Day Parade

God must be Irish because it was a picture-perfect day for the 2010 St. Patrick's Day parade. It was a family affair, with dozens of Irish Houston families, more than 100 floats, and fifth-generation paraders along with marchers who were Irish for the day — all making their way through the streets of downtown Houston to the music of bagpipers and, from one float, an Elvis impersonator.

This CultureMapper had the great honor to march with this year's Grand Marshals: Billy, David and Michael Carr, who wore color-coordinated outfits that blended into a three-person Irish flag.

Spotted: Mayor Annise Parker receiving an honorary "Assistant Grand Marshal" T-shirt from Billy "B Boy" Carr; the Kearns family not leaping from its float (as was reported last year); a school of Doloreans; and what seemed like the entirety of the parade (kids included) at Molly's Pub for a post-parade celebration.

Look for more photos — and my description about what it's like to be in the parade — in Monday's CultureMap.

• Downtown, Guinness, Irish, Parade, St. Patrick's Day
• Annise Parker, Billy Carr, David Carr, Mike Carr

(Updated) I'll miss you, Roy Oswalt: With the good guy ace gone to Philly, the Astros will never be the same

Lonestar win: Softball goddess Jennie Finch is retiring to Texas (thank Daigle!)

Gay day at Minute Maid: Astros become the first big three Houston pro team to openly court the LGBT community

Finding soccer hooligans in Houston: The guide to local live World Cup action

Giant ants — designed to scare the bejesus out of you — set to be released at Minute Maid Park

The Houston Astros present "Faith and Family Night" featuring Jars of Clay

Astros Wives Gala "Black Ties and Baseball Caps"

Minute Maid Park

latest NEWS