With about 40,000 residents, Dublin is far from the populations of cities like Boston, Chicago and New York, but its St. Patrick’s Day parade ranks among the biggest.

With its tradition and Irish heritage, the parade and festivities surrounding St. Patrick’s Day draw a crowd of approximately 20,000. The bagpipers, balloons, floats and other performers provide entertainment for the whole family, from young to old.

The parade’s strength and enormity has recently gained recognition from US News and World Report, which ranked Dublin’s Parade sixth in the nation.

The ranking puts the Dublin’s parade next to those of much bigger cities.

But size is not as important as spirit when it comes to St. Patrick’s Day celebrations, says Mary Jo DiSalvo, events administrator for the City of Dublin.

“ When we have events we want to make sure we put together quality events. When we are recognized by such prestigious places we think it validates our efforts,” she says.

DiSalvo says that many people call during March to see what Dublin, Ohio, is doing for the greenest day of the year. The city takes pride in its Irish heritage through the many events that the city puts on, and they love sharing the events with others.

Parade Coordinator Trish Lackey says that people come from all over to participate in Dublin’s Irish celebrations, including its St. Patrick’s Day parade. She says that she believes people are drawn to the event because they get to participate in the festivities by wearing green and being “a little Irish for the day.”

“We take great pride in lining up elements that are of interest to spectators, but also have an Irish theme,” DiSalvo says.

This year’s parade will begin at 11 a.m., Saturday March 12. It will start at the Metro Center Plaza and continue down Rt. 161 through historic Dublin.

A new element to the Irish festivities is also being added.

DiSalvo says that an “inflation party” will take place starting at 8:30 a.m. at the Dublin Crowne Plaza hotel. There, spectators can see all the balloons laid flat and watch as they are inflated.

“Spectators can see what it takes to get the parade off the ground” DiSalvo says.