Thousands of fearless Montrealers braved unseasonably chilly climes for that joyous annual rite of Montreal spring Sunday, as marchers, floats, musicians and dancers made their way down Ste. Catherine in the city's 191st St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Thousands of festive green-clad, flag-waving souls lined the route as usual but they were wearing more layers of clothing than in past years, as temperatures sat around -12 C with a windchill of about -20 C along the route.
The weather was so cold that it silenced many bagpipers who marched silently, unable to manipulate their sonorous instruments in the bitterly-frosty temperatures.
CTV Montreal was once again among the dozens of local institutions and establishments partaking in the festivities, as on-air personalities and other staffers once again took the route from Fort to Phillips Square.
Mayor Denis Coderre was in attendance, as were many other politicians and other dignitaries, including Philippe Couillard.
Premier Pauline Marois was not in attendance following her meeting with Mayor Denis Coderre earlier Sunday.
No accidents or other incidents were reporting in the parade which began rolling at noon and finished over two hours later.
CTV Montreal was not kept away from the winners’ circle Sunday as the trophies were handed out. The station won as Best Media Entry as decided by the United Irish Societies.
The Best Amateur Float award went to Dawson College, Best Military Unit went to the RCMP, Best Marching Unit was won by the Sons of Scotland Pipes & Drums, Best Municipal Entry went to the Borough of Verdun, Best Animal Entry was won by the Greyhound Rescue of Quebec, Best College or University Unit went to the Western Ontario Marching Band, Best Cultural Community Unit was won by Ukraine on Parade, Best Band was given to the Eclairs de Quebec, Most Creative Youth Community was given to Les Titans de Quebec and the prize for Most Original Parish Unit went to St. Gabriel’s Parish.
Other prizes winners were: the Western Ontario Marching Band, Bath Fitters, Marie Claude Rousseau School, Montreal Pipes and Drums, St. Patrick’s Society, Kurling for Kids, B. Short School of Irish Dancing and the Lester B. Pearson School Board.
