The parade starts at 2 p.m. today, followed by a celebration on the Augusta Common.

"The Irish American Heritage Society has hosted this thing since 1978," Scherer said. "It was started by Irish immigrants. They'd start their day with mass, go to the parade, then head to the Town Tavern, which became Malley's, but it's now closed. That's the only part that's changed. Everything else is the same, except bigger and better."

More than 100 entries float down Broad Street, drawing upwards of 50,000 people to downtown, he said.

This year's parade is led by Grand Marshall Jerry Armstrong, a charter member of the Irish-American Heritage Society of Augusta.

"It's a huge family deal," Scherer said. "There's a lot of local Irish heritage to celebrate."

The parade usually lasts 11/2 to 2 hours and runs rain or shine.

"If it rains, we pray people stay and we just plan to walk faster," Scherer said with a laugh.

He recommends spots off Telfair Street for those with kids looking to spread out. Locations along Broad Street tend to have the most energy.

"We're no doubt the longest parade in the city," Scherer said. "It draws a lot of people."

Most stay for the entertainment and games on the Commons, or specials at restaurants along Broad Street.

"Joes Underground does its corned beef and cabbage," he said. "The restaurants really get into it. It's a huge event."

Mike Anglin, owner of Tipsey McStumbles on Seventh Street, expects a full house.

"We're the only Irish pub in town," he said. "It'll be hot."