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CHARLOTTE — Catholic schools, parishes and lay organizations all took part in the 16th annual St. Patrick's Day Parade in uptown Charlotte March 17, celebrating a beautiful day of Irish culture, music and food.

St. Ann, Holy Trinity Middle and St. Patrick schools all had floats or otherwise participated in the parade, which traveled down Tryon Street and ended at the Charlotte Goes Green Festival. The Knights of Columbus, Ancient Order of Hiberians, and their auxiliaries also marched in the parade, as well as local law enforcement, fire and military personnel.

The parade lasted two hours under bright sunny skies and mild temperatures – perfect weather for the celebratory day. A record crowd of more than 60,000 people was expected for the day-long event.

The 2012 parade's grand marshal was Bill Duffy, executive vice president, chief financial and administrative officer for Bobcat Sports & Entertainment.

See more photos from the St. Patrick's Day parade.

St. Patrick Cathedral marks special feast day with prayer, food and fun

Meanwhile, parishioners of St. Patrick Cathedral observed the feast day of their parish's patron saint with 40 Hours of Eucharistic Adoration that culminated in a Eucharistic procession around the cathedral and a Holy Hour with Bishop Peter J. Jugis.

The 40 Hours Devotion was held March 15-17, ending just before Sunday Vigil Mass. The 40 Hours Devotion is a special 40-hour period of continuous prayer, recalling the significance of the number 40 itself in the Bible, as being a sacred period of time.

After Mass, parishioners gathered in the Family Life Center with pastor and rector of the cathedral, Father Christopher Roux, for a meal of corned beef and other Irish favorites, as well as Irish dancing and music that the children of the parish thoroughly enjoyed.

Mass at Old St. Joseph Church held

Also, three divisions of the Ancient Order of Hibernians and the Ladies Ancient Order of Hibernians in the Charlotte area also honored their Irish heritage and their Catholic faith with Mass at old St. Joseph Church in Mount Holly.

Old St. Joseph Church was built in 1843 by Irish immigrants and the first pastor was Father T.J. Cronin, who was also Irish born and is buried at the church.

— Photos by SueAnn Howell and Ty Reamer