What would be a cold and cloudy St. Paddy’s Day celebration in Chicago started early Saturday morning for local and state leaders.

Mayor Emanuel, Governor Quinn, and Senator Dick Durbin headed to mass at Old St. Pats in the loop.

Thousands of revelers gathered along the river, cheering on the time honored tradition of dying the Chicago River green.

Parade preps began early at Congress and Balbo and Chicago’s former mayor, Richard Daley, and his family continued their traditional St. Paddy’s day brunch.

Despite the chilly weather people poured onto the parade route early– bundled up and in spirit.

Most would say no one does it like the windy city– Mayor Emanuel, Olympic gold medalist Conner Dwyer and Governor Quinn kicked off the parade followed by Cook County Board President Toni Preckwinkle and several aldermen.

And an array of characters, bands and a few familiar WGN faces.