It's an annual tradition to kick off the Syracuse Saint Patrick's Parade festivities. Parade officials joined local dignitaries Friday morning on South Salina Street for the annual green stripe painting near James Street. YNN's Brad Vivacqua reports.

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SYRACUSE, N.Y. -- It's the unofficial start to Saint Patrick's Parade weekend in Syracuse: the painting of the green stripe.

A number of city and parade committee officials joined Grand Marshal Tom Maroney on South Salina Street today for the annual festivities. Officials take turns painting a portion of the stripe near the start of the parade near Water Street.

President Janet Higgins has been on the parade committee for all 31 years of its existence and says there's a lot to like about it.

"I like the smiles on kids’ faces. I love the Irish, and I love how everyone just comes together to put this big event on," said Janet Higgins, Syracuse St. Patrick's Parade President.

The Saint Patrick's Parade will step off at noon tomorrow. Remember to look for us at YNN along the parade with our Storm Chaser.