Well gang, this weekend is the longest-established Saint-Patrick’s day parade in North America! That’s right, its not in Boston where the color the river green, its right here in good ol’ Montreal! Not to say our cousins in Boston don’t know how to throw a party! Dyeing a whole river green is quite a eye catcher and I’ve always wanted to gaze upon it myself, in the flesh, one day. But until then, Montreal’s great St-Patty’s Day parade will do in spades!
The parade is this Sunday starting at noon sharp from Fort street, going east along Ste-Catherine and finishing up around St-Urbain Street. Our family traditionally stands on the corner of University and Ste-Catherine. Its the best spot, because the Old Dublin pub, and its delicious toes warming Irish coffees, are a 2 minute walk down University. So go as a gang and take turns running laps to the pub to keep yer keister warm! 
The parade’s roots are military - it was started by the Montreal Irish Regiment, and the Black Watch regimental band lead the marchers. Consisting of around 40 different floats, 45 marching bands and over 4000 emerald-clad participants, its a rousing time to be had for sure so bring the kids! 
For more info on the parade, check out its official site… where you can check out the hot Irish lasses, including the parade Queen.
Here’s a couple quick shots of last years parade, and some video too! Enjoy!
The first pic is, from left to right, Bob Doherty, Mary Doherty, Gerry McCormick (Me Dad!), Marlene (Doherty) McCormick (Me Mum! and myself…all decked out in our Irish get-ups! 
