Newport police prepare for Irish parade

NEWPORT, R.I. (WPRI) - Police in Newport plan to crack down on public drunkeness at the city's annual St. Patrick's Day Parade .

Police Chief Michael McKenna pledges to continue to protect the reputation of the tradition. He says the festival a family event, not an opportunity to drink.

Last year's parade resulted in 100 summons and arrests.

A group of residents are protesting against T-shirts being sold at a nearby shop that stereotype the Irish. The green shirt reads: "So this Irishman walks out of a bar ... No, it can really happen."

State Rep. Peter Martin (D) joined the demonstration, held outside the Music Box on Thames Street. He says the shirt has helped put a spotlight on the larger issue of inappropriate alcohol consumption at the parade.

"We want to have a family parade. We don't want people coming into town thinking this is a big drunk-fest." Martin also says the parade "should be a very happy Irish celebration."