“Expressing my Irish heritage and watching the parade.”

— Laurie Winkel, actress, Topeka

“In Lawrence, it's like suddenly no one has a job. Everyone is out watching the parade and partying. Most towns will move the parade to the weekend of something, but not here.”

— Matt Stumpff, self-employed, Kansas City, Mo.

“Finding good luck in some place other than a clover field.”

— Lauren Poell, sales associate, Overland Park

“That I'm Irish. It's our day.”

— Adam Herrelson, welder, Shawnee