Denver police officers and the State Patrol are stepping up enforcement operations — notably against driving under the influence — this weekend, when more than 500,000 revelers are expected at this year’s annual St. Patrick’s Day parade on Saturday. 

The parade, now entering its 63rd year, is among the largest in the nation, with 10,000 marchers, more than 200 float entrants and a post-parade pub crawl.

Paradegoers should expect to see “a significant uniformed officer presence on the 16th Street Mall and throughout all of downtown,” according to a DPD statement to The Denver Gazette.

Officers will be on foot, bicycles, patrol vehicles, and motorcycles and will take enforcement actions if necessary.

Over the St. Patrick’s Day weekend, DPD will conduct DUI patrols within LoDo, as well as the Broadway-Speer-I-25 corridor, authorities said.  

“The Denver Police Department wants everyone who comes out to have a good time and celebrate responsibly,” said a DPD media spokesperson. 

Last year, from March 15 to 20, Denver Police officers made 26 DUI arrests.

Likewise, the Colorado State Patrol will increase DUI patrols throughout Jefferson and Clear Creek counties from Friday through Sunday, also focused on deterring impaired driving on major traffic arteries and feeder roads during the St. Patrick’s Day holiday weekend. 

Over the last four years, CSP troopers have investigated 84 fatal crashes in these two counties and 424 crashes that caused serious bodily injury. Of these crashes, 73 occurred between 5 p.m. and 3 a.m. on Friday and Saturday nights.

Authorities encouraged those who celebrate to plan for a safe and sober ride home and to report anything suspicious by calling 911 or the Denver police’s non-emergency line at 720-913-2000.