The luck of the Irish prevailed over would-be raindrops yesterday morning to allow the St. Patrick's Day Parade to go on as scheduled.

Despite forecasts of showers, the only things falling from the sky were candy and necklaces as a stream of bead-throwing revelers poured down University Avenue and through the heart of the Troy State University campus Saturday.

From young children to older people decked out in shamrocks and green, all ages and personalities were represented in the St. Patrick's celebration.

Though the actual holiday is Monday, Saturday's parade marked an opportunity for people from around the town and campus to mingle and enjoy the sights.

Mayor Jimmy Lunsford - sporting a pair of four-leaf clover sunglasses - and TSU Chancellor Jack Hawkins were both entered into the parade line-up, along with nearly a dozen Greek organizations, the tournament-bound TSU basketball team and a yellow fire truck topped by a waving Leprechaun.

Several dogs were even wearing green, prowling down the parade route and marching in time to the beat of the TSU Sound of the South marching band.

&uot;This is my first parade like this as a student,&uot; said Devon Wells, a TSU senior.

&uot;I've enjoyed it. It's very festive and has a lot of color and pizzazz.&uot;

Stephen Stetson can be reached at stephen.stetson@troymessenger.com.