Multiple law enforcement agencies and fire rescue teams are making preparations for Delray Beach's annual St. Patrick's Parade.
The stage is set, the beer is flowing, but behind all the good green fun, officers and rescue teams are strategically scattered to ensure safety and security.
"We’re going to have extra officers out on patrol, you’re certainly going to see them on segways, you’re going to see them walking," said Dani Moschella, Spokesperson for the Delray Beach Police Department.
Delray Beach Police welcomed a larger team on Friday. The Palm Beach County All Hazard Incident Management Team has been training and planning for this parade and festival for months.
"Contingency planning, just in case this goes wrong or if that goes wrong, what is the plan of action, where do people stage, where do resources go, how do we communicate" said Nigel Baker, Division Chief, Palm Beach County Fire Rescue and Team Coordinator of the Palm Beach County All Hazard Incident Management Team.
Communication is key.
"This is the the Southeast Regional Domestic Security Task Force Joint Information Center," said Mike Jachles, Spokesperson for the Region 7 Domestic Security Task Force.
Jachles says this is where agencies get important information out in the event of an emergency.
Delray Beach Police expect the event to be filled with good family fun, but is reminding everyone, there is no drinking on the streets or sidewalks.
"The consequences if you’re caught with an open container tomorrow on a roadway, at a park or on a sidewalk is anything from a citation to a physical arrest," said Moschella.
Businesses and vendors are eager to get the St. Patty's party going.
"It's a great tradition, like everybody loves it in Delray, obviously we own an Irish Pub so we want to be a part of it and support the firefighters," said Lisa Walsh, owner of Tim Finnegans Irish Pub.
Firefighters are traveling from all over the world and country to Delray, like Anthony Locks.
"It's the first time for me, so I'm very happy," said Locks, a firefighter from France.
There will be several roads closed starting at 10 a.m. Saturday. For information on closures, click here.
The festivities begin at 11 a.m. The parade starts at 2 p.m.
