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St. Patrick’s Day brings out the crowds early in Halifax

Click to play video: 'Maritimers embrace their Irish side'
Maritimers embrace their Irish side
WATCH ABOVE: St. Patrick's Day celebrations began well before sunrise in the Maritimes. Global's Alexa MacLean found out some of the unique traditions that get people up so early – Mar 17, 2016

St. Patrick’s Day festivities began well before sunrise in Halifax Thursday.

“We had a lineup at seven in the morning and it’s going to stay like that till two o’clock in the morning and so it’s good fun all day long,” said Eugene McCabe, assistant aanager at Durty Nelly’s Irish Pub.

Some people were waiting in line at The Old Triangle pub in Halifax by 4:30 a.m., which was surprising even to a real Irish man, like McCabe.

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“It’s a little different here they definitely start a lot earlier in the day. Back home there’s more parades to go to and the drinking doesn’t start as early but it’s still a good fun all day atmosphere,” said McCabe.

People have their own reasons to celebrate St. Patrick’s Day.

“It’s our twenty-first wedding anniversary so this is a special day for that reason and also my maiden name is O’Leary and I married a Doyle, so it’s part of our heritage,” said Angie Doyle.

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While many of the pubs were packed first thing in the morning, Halifax Regional Police said they usually start to see alcohol-related calls trickle in by lunchtime.

“We’re dealing with people being intoxicated in public places, open liquor, assaults, noise complaints, a lot of alcohol-related issues,” said Cst. Dianne Woodworth.

Police are urging people to celebrate with care.

“We want people to have a good time and if you’re going downtown or to a party, think ahead, plan a drive or have a designated driver,” Woodworth said.

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