New Haven parking ban to prepare for St. Patty's Day parade

NEW HAVEN, Conn. (WTNH) -- Despite all the snow, New Haven Mayor John DeStefano said the snow will go on. Some people thought all that wintry weather might put a damper on all those St. Patrick's Day Parades this weekend.

"So we've been debating this, arguing back and forth and we've decided," said Mayor John DeStefano.

"Let's do it!"

Three thousand marchers and more than three hundred thousand spectators will be taking to the streets of New Haven on Sunday. That is, once they're clear from the mess that mother nature dumped on Friday.

"We're gonna clear the streets, and we'll be good to go for the St. Patrick's Day Parade and we expect everyone to be there," said Mayor DeStefano.

City leaders put a parking ban in effect to keep the roads clear so they can bring in the plows, and get rid of the snow. For some local businesses, though, the parking ban was taking it's toll on what should be the busisest weekend of the year.

"Already we canceled our entertainment for tonight. Normally when they make announcements like this within the city, it does make people nervous," said Frank Cullimore, Manager at Anna Liffey's.

Business was slow on Friday night but come Sunday morning, many bars and restaurants open at 9 a.m. That's good news for some die hard party and parade goers.

"I'm gonna come here first thing in the morning, get a spot, and stay in it for the entire day," said Kimberly Stewart of New Haven.

"This is a make it or break weekend for all businesses, especially in this industry. We rock and roll this weekend," said Cullimore.

You don't have to be Irish to get in on the fun. Everyone is invited to join in on the festivities.

"I'm a bunch of different things but," said Cory Nebel of Madison.

"But on St. Patrick's Day what are you," asked News 8's Jacquie Slater.

"On St. Patrick's Day I'm Irish. I wear the green hat, and the green socks, and the green underwear if I have it," said Nebel.