Thousands of folks made their way to Kingston to enjoy the city's annual St. Patrick's celebrations YNN’s Alexandra Weishaupt has more on the day’s events.

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KINGSTON, N.Y. -- “It’s really just a great event, great way to herald spring and St. Patrick’s Day,” said Teresa Karcnik-Mahoney.

5,000 runners kick off the day’s festivities in the 25th annual Shamrock Run put on by Team Ireland. Together participants line the streets of uptown Kingston and begin their 2-mile trek downtown.

This year, proceeds are going to the People’s Place.

“We’ve seen an increase of over 30 percent each month in the number of families we have been serving. So, this could not have come at a better time. Talk about the luck of the Irish,” said Executive Director of People’s Place Christine Hein.

Once the participants passed the finish line, the St. Patrick’s Parade immediately began.

“We have three or four bagpipe bands, we have two high school bands and a couple drum and bugle cords. Your fire departments, churches, schools,” said St. Patty’s Day Parade Chairman John Kelly.

More than 100 groups including city officials, Kingston Kids, a dancing leprechaun and the Irish Princess followed. Put on by the Ancient Order of Hibernians, the celebration offered everyone the opportunity to enjoy being Irish for the day.

“People want to celebrate their heritage and culture and no matter what background you come from, today is a day to do that and to do it with pride,” said St. Patrick’s Day Parade Grand Marshall John Dwyer Jr.

And as the community steps into spring, the warmth of the sun and the sound of the bagpipes have people feeling green all over.

“Happy St. Patrick’s Day to everybody,” said Karcnik-Mahoney.