St. Patrick’s parade in Ottawa a long tradition

March 8, 2010 · Filed Under Festivals in the News, News

Laura Hay | EMC

In Ottawa, we stand at 28 years running for our annual St. Patrick’s parade. Over the course of these past two decades, our parade has evolved to represent a focal part of the Ottawa Irish Festival and is by far the most visible event in the week of activities around the city. These photos reveal some of the past entrants, and capture the atmospheres of previous parades and St. Patrick’s Day celebrations.

This year’s parade is being held on Saturday, Mar. 13, starting at 11 a.m. The route cuts through the centre of downtown Ottawa, allowing for crowds to line the sidewalks of Bank Street with their coffees in hand and watch more than fifty entrants proceed along until they reach Lansdowne Park. In addition to showing some Celtic pride and entertaining the Ottawa public on a Saturday morning, the St. Patrick’s parade is supporting the Ottawa Food Bank. Volunteers will be collecting food and monetary donations along the parade route as the floats, marching bands, musicians and dancers stream by.

While the parade may be the most visible aspect of the Ottawa Irish Festival, it is by no means the only event. The Ottawa Irish Festival is a week-long celebration of our Irish identities and traditions.

Full article: St. Patrick’s parade in Ottawa a long tradition

For more information, visit Ottawa Irish Society National Capital Region.

Tags: Irish Society of the National Capital Region, Ottawa Irish Festival, St. Patrick's Day Parade