COLUMBUS, Ohio -- As locals celebrate St. Patrick's Day, law enforcement, restaurants and pubs and taxi companies are preparing to handle the crowds of merry-makers.
Some started celebrating early by watching parades or taking in some Irish beer.
Columbus' St. Patrick's Day parade, which started at 11:45 a.m., has a record 121 groups participating.
Kelly Fleming spent her morning at Claddagh Irish Pub in the Brewery District.
"You can't beat being Irish on St. Patrick's Day," she said.
There was also plenty of spirit with a band performing Irish music.
"This is the best way to do it," Tony Welch said. "Go out, and have some fun."
Claddagh Irish Pub's Jeff Baumgarden said the celebrating will go until 2 a.m. Thursday morning but they're prepared.
"There's like 30 kegs down there, probably. Mainly Guinness."
He said there's no chance of them running out.
There's probably also not a chance taxi drivers such as Dan Ramey and Mike McKinster, who drive for Dublin Taxi, won't be swamped.
"It's crazy," McKinster said.
"It outdoes New Years." Ramey said. "A lot of us call it amateur night because a lot of the people that don't drink, drink."
Ramey said he doesn't mind the craziness.
"It's one of the days you live for because you get to make a lot of money," Ramey
But when the celebration and music end, they hope everyone makes good decisions if they've been drinking.
"It's a lot safer to take a taxi," McKinster said. "We're a lot cheaper than a lawyer."
Officials with the Franklin County and Delaware County sheriff's offices said deputies will be out in full force patrolling for drunk drivers.
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