Irish Eyes Shining In Blue Dome District

The weather has not stopped thousands of people from packing downtown bars for St. Patrick's Day.  The News On 6's Chris Wright reports everyone crowded inside tents Monday night at McNellie's.  Many even said the storms were appropriate, considering it is an Irish holiday.

Partygoers at McNellie's were not going to let a little rain get in the way of a good time.

"The fact is it's only one day a year, so it's not like we can reschedule it.  Rain or shine we'll be here having fun," said Elliot Nelson, owner of McNellie's.

Plenty of green was on display, as people chowed down on traditional Irish fare, and, of course, drank plenty of Guinness.

Plenty of those celebrating were downing their beers fast and all that chugging left over-worked bartenders scrambling to meet demand.

"We look forward to the day, and then by the evening, we're all a little irritable, a little saddened, a little angry," said one server at McNellie's.

Love was also in the air on this St. Patrick's Day.

"We met at McNellies actually, so I'm very pleased and couldn't ask for anything better," said Mike Friedemann, who had a proposal of marriage for his girlfriend.

Another couple chose to celebrate their 10^th anniversary at the bar.

"I told her I had to get married on St. Paddy's Day so I can remember when the hell it is.  You can't say hell.  When the heck it is," said Rick Fowler.

McNellie's owner says about 6,000 people came out here last year.  Because of the weather, he's hoping for about half of that total this year.

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