(Cleveland) - Police and the Regional Transit Authority are preparing for St. Patrick's Day and are advising visitors to arrive early, and to take RTA to and from the festivities.

Police say they will be out in force, and are urging partygoers to keep an eye out for anything unusual. The watch words are "see something say something".

Traffic Commissioner James Mulek explains there were will be 35 traffic closure points downtown, but will be only be put into place just before the parade starts.

Police Captain Kevin Kilbane outlines the parade route.

This will be the first St. Patrick's Day parade with the new casino open for business, and Horseshoe managers are promising there will be extra security in and around the gaming palace.

The Cleveland Department of Public Safety and Division of Police will use hashtag #CLEStPats to provide Twitter updates related to the St. Patrick's Day parade and to receive input from the public.

RTA riders can use the I-Watch app to alert the transit agency about anything that might be suspicious.

The parade kicks off at 2:04pm at Superior Ave. and East 18th St. It will move southwest to Public Square, ending at Rockwell Ave. and East 6th St.

According to RTA, last year's parade drew a record crowd of more than 500,000 people; about 300,000 are expected on Sunday.

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