Thousands go green at Leprecon 2016

"Every year, ‘Leprecon’ attracts more and more people, which also means, a lot more police.  Hundreds of Hoboken police officers were patrolling the streets and getting help from 50 other officers from neighboring towns. More than 2,500 people came down to the all-day long event.

It's the fifth year since LepreCon replaced the city's annual St Patrick's Day Parade after officials decide to cancel it in 2012.

"Everyone comes here it’s a good time friendly people we like Hoboken" one man told us.

This St. Patricks Day’s pub crawl attracted a young crowd. However, in the past years, the attention has turned to the fights, more than the celebration.

Police were patrolling the area on foot and in their vehicles.  They said the entire department was out working.

"It bit crazy maybe a little dangerous but at the end of the day people are having fun” a police officer said. “I saw fight at the pizzeria in the corner. Everyone fights for pizza all the time."

While some Hoboken residents preferred to stay indoors and far away from the chaos, others didn't mind it at all.

“Kids have to have fun apart of growing up I've done it” one resident said.

More than 20 bars participated in this year’s Leprecon. We spoke to one business owner who said he dealt with drunk people coming into his store using the bathroom and leaving without paying for food. Overall, he says every year it gets better and more controlled.