TORONTO—Shamrocks, leprechauns, pots of gold, and all things Irish were celebrated, as the city braved freezing temperatures on Sunday afternoon in honour of the annual St. Patrick’s Day Parade.
Joining the Irish community were a variety of cultural floats, marching bands, and entertainers, that proceeded along Bloor St. from St. George, and down Yonge St. to finish off at Nathan Phillips Square.
The parade was hosted by the St. Patrick’s Parade Society of Toronto. Among the many familiar faces was Mayor Rob Ford, who gave out green beaded necklaces to spectators.
Out of all parade participants, County Armagh and County Dublin were awarded Best Marching Party and Best Float, respectively.
This year’s Grand Marshall was Irish Olympic boxing medalist Katie Taylor who came out to cheer Toronto’s tribute to her home country.
