Montrealers revel in St. Patrick's Day fun at 199th parade
The sun managed to peek out – a little bit of luck for thousands of revellers who took to the streets of Montreal Sunday for the 199th St. Patrick's Day Parade.
From Irish dancers, to pipes and drums, to media personalities on floats, some 100 entries took part in the parade. It resulting in a sea of green travelling along de Maisonneuve Boulevard from Fort Street to Jeanne-Mance Street.
- IN PHOTOS: Montreal celebrates St. Patrick's Day
This year's parade was extra special – the rare occasion when the parade falls on St. Patrick's Day.
"It's only been about nine times in the last 30, 40 years," said Kevin Dineen of the United Irish Societies of Montreal, who organized the parade.
The group expected a larger turnout because of the lucky day, and thousands of Montrealers showed up in droves.
Leading the parade was Grand Marshal Mike Kennedy, and Patty McCann served as chief reviewing officer.
Kennedy walked with his friend Liam Reason, a boy with a rare mitochondrial disease. He suffers from seizures and developmental delays.
"It feels great. Overwhelming, to be honest with you. Where we were a few years ago to now. Unbelievable," said Liam's father, Kevin James Reason.
The parade featured the St. Patrick's Queen, Chloe Miller, and her court: Julia Rochford, Madison Lalonde, Mia Simard and Shaeleigh Rose Spracklin.
An RCMP piped band entertains the crowd during the St. Patrick’s Day parade in Montreal, Sunday, March 17, 2024. (Graham Hughes/The Canadian Press)
Though scattered showers were in the forecast, by the time the first bagpipes started, the sun was peeking through the crowd.
Parade die-hards say they would be here, no matter the weather.
"Through rain, through shine, through freezing temperatures, I'm always here. It's fantastic. It's our day of the year, man," said parade goer George O'Reilly.
- IN PHOTOS: Montreal celebrates St. Patrick's Day
Take a look at all the fun in our photo album – and send us your photos at MontrealDigitalNews@BellMedia.ca
There were about a dozen brand-new floats and groups this year, including the Cote-des-Neiges Black Association.
"We're up to to 95 today, so… definitely we're going back to pre-COVID. So that's exciting," said Dineen.
Whether it's the first or 40th parade, parade goers say the family affair never gets old.
"We've been coming every year since I've been knee-high. Haven't missed a parade yet," said Gail Costigan.
She definitely won't miss next year – when the parade turns 200.
(Olivier Dutrisac)
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Judge in Trump's hush money trial threatened to throw witness out of court for behavior on stand
Michael Cohen testified Monday that he stole tens of thousands of dollars from his ex-boss Donald Trump’s company, an admission defence lawyers hope to use to undermine Cohen’s credibility.
What is BORG drinking, and why is it a dangerous trend? An expert explains
If you've been to a party lately and haven't seen someone drinking a BORG, you're likely not partying with college students.
The world's best airline is paying staff a bonus of 8 months' salary
Singapore Airlines will reward its employees with a bonus worth nearly eight months of salary, a person familiar with the matter told CNN on Friday.
Oilers win Game 7 over Canucks, advance to Western Conference Final
The Edmonton Oilers weathered a late Vancouver Canucks charge on Monday night, beating the hosts 3-2 to win their seven-game second-round playoff series in the decisive showdown.
McGill says pro-Palestinian protest outside senior administrator's home 'crosses the line'
McGill University has denounced a pro-Palestinian protest held Sunday outside the home of one of its senior administrators.
Red Lobster probes 'endless shrimp' losses after bankruptcy filing
U.S.-based restaurant chain Red Lobster has filed for Chapter 11 bankruptcy protection in a Florida court after securing $100 million in financing commitments from its existing lenders, the company said on Sunday.
Katy Perry sings goodbye to 'American Idol'
Katy Perry said her goodbyes on 'American Idol' after seven seasons. On Sunday night’s live 'idol' season finale, a medley of Perry's hit songs were performed, including 'Teenage Dream,' 'Dark Horse' and 'California Gurls.'
Microsoft's AI chatbot will 'recall' everything you do on a PC
Microsoft wants laptop users to get so comfortable with its artificial intelligence chatbot that it will remember everything you're doing on your computer and help figure out what you want to do next.
Judge cites error, will reopen sentencing hearing for man who attacked Nancy Pelosi's husband
A federal judge will reopen the sentencing hearing for the man who broke into Nancy Pelosi's San Francisco home and bludgeoned her husband with a hammer after the judge failed to allow him to speak during his court appearance last week.