We're just a couple days away from the 31st annual Saint Patrick's Parade in downtown Syracuse. South Salina Street will be filled with green, as thousands of people come out to join the fun for one of the largest parades of its kind in the country. YNN's Brad Vivacqua has more from Clinton Square.

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- Maybe you're planning to come down here just to watch the parade or perhaps you're even participating in the parade. In any case, YNN meteorologists are calling for a sunny day in the 40's and that means it should be a great day to head down to Salina Street for the 31st Annual Saint Patrick's Parade.

Parade Committee President Janet Higgins said the committee is just finalizing its numbers and making sure everything is ready for the big day. There are about 130 entries this year and that number includes about 25 to 30 bands.

Everyone is encouraged to arrive about an hour or two early before the parade begins at noon as a number of surrounding streets will be closed and parking may be a challenge.

"We're going to have some pre parade entertainment this year. So, get down early, get your spots because at about eleven thirty we have a group that's going to be entertaining the crowds which I'm really excited about," said Higgins.

Saturday's parade will begin at noon but there are a few other parade related events beginning Friday. At 9:30am, parade officials will be painting the green parade stripe on South Salina Street.

Tickets are still available for the annual Grand Marshal Dinner at the Oncenter which will take place at 6:00pm on Friday night.

On Saturday, the annual mass will take place at 10:00 am just before the parade at the Cathedral of the Immaculate Conception.

For more information on the parade, visit www.SyracuseStPatricksParade.org.