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The good news for those who would rather spend $3 on a bottle of Guinness is that some of the biggest bars along the route will be giving away wristbands they have purchased.
Kim Capin, chairman of the parade committee, said proceeds from wristband sales will defray the cost of putting on the parade, about $20,000 for law enforcement, portable toilets and insurance.
"Covering those costs have gotten harder and harder in this economy," she said.
Capin said she's unsure how much wristband sales will raise. More than 20,000 people are expected to attend Sunday's festivities, she said.
"We hope that people see (wristband sales) as a way to continue the event," Capin said. "... I hope people find it acceptable."
One wristband gains revelers entry into all the bars along the parade route, Capin said. Wristbands will be on sale for people over age 21 at all bars and at the parade staging area near Coligny Circle, Capin said.
Capin's committee has met with bar and restaurant owners, who collectively agreed to the wristband sales.
Some bar owners said they will purchase the wristbands from the Parade Foundation and give them to customers at no charge.
Brandon Smith, general manager of the Wild Wing Cafe on Pope Avenue, said his restaurant would buy 1,500 wristbands to give away to patrons Sunday.
"I'm not really excited about it, but we're happy to support the parade and the committee," said Smith, whose restaurant is at the unofficial epicenter of Sunday's festivities.
Brendan Reilley, managing partner of Aunt Chilada's Easy Street Cafe on Pope Avenue, said he would give wristbands to customers when they buy a drink at his bar.
"It's just like making a $3 donation," Reilly said. "The parade is good for everybody. Everyone makes money that day."
Roy Prescott, owner of Remy's Bar & Grill on Pope Avenue, said he has "mixed feelings" about the wristbands, which he also will be giving to customers.
"We've been struggling all winter and then to have another $600 come out of your revenue -- it's tough," Prescott said.
But he said he values the increased business during the parade and knows finances are tight for everyone.
"I thoroughly understand that the parade committee needs operating funds for the parade to go on," he said. "We do benefit from the parade. ... We'll absorb that cost."
