Thousands of leprechauns, Irish dancers, and other Montrealers took to Sainte-Catherine Street today for the annual St. Patrick's Day Parade. Despite spring-like blue skies and sunshine, temperatures were around zero degrees and dippped as low as -13 degrees with the windchill. That didn't stop the thousands in attendance from having a good time. This year's parade was shorter than normal due to construction on Sainte-Catherine Street. It began at its usual spot at Fort Street at noon, and then ended at Metcalfe Street. The parade featured over 30 floats, 2,500 participants, 15 marching bands, and 300 volunteers to provide security. Montreal's first St. Patrick's Day parade was in 1824. The United Irish Societies of Montreal has been putting them on for nearly a hundred years. They wanted people to put differences aside and have a good time at the parade. "Just come out to forget about politics and forget about whatever is going wrong in the world," said Ken Quinn of United Irish Societies Of Montreal. "Listen to some music, see some colourful floats, and welcome hopefully the coming of spring in a week or so." Parade attendees agreed. "It's about getting together and forgetting that you're French Canadian or wherever you came from," said one participant. "Just being together."<doc-sep>Share this Story: Cool, but joyous at Montreal's 196th St. Patrick's Parade Cool, but joyous at Montreal's 196th St. Patrick's Parade The predicted sun didn't shine, but that didn't dim the festivities. Photo by Allen McInnis / Montreal Gazette Article content Patrick Laprade has brought his two youngest children to Montreal’s St. Patrick’s Parade for the last 10 years. They attend because Laprade’s wife, Linda, is Irish, and they usually follow the same plan each year: arrive early and secure a spot in front of the McDonald’s near Philipps Square, where hot chocolate samples are handed out to keep parade-goers warm. We apologize, but this video has failed to load. tap here to see other videos from our team. Try refreshing your browser, or Cool, but joyous at Montreal's 196th St. Patrick's Parade Back to video Advertisement Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content Toggle full screen mode Previous Gallery Image Photo by Allen McInnis / Montreal Gazette Photo by Allen McInnis / Montreal Gazette Photo by Allen McInnis / Montreal Gazette Photo by Allen McInnis / Montreal Gazette Photo by Allen McInnis / Montreal Gazette Photo by Allen McInnis / Montreal Gazette Photo by Allen McInnis / Montreal Gazette Photo by Allen McInnis / Montreal Gazette Next Gallery Image Toggle gallery captions All 8 Photos for Gallery But with construction cutting the parade route a bit shorter this year, the family had to make a last-minute adjustment Sunday morning. Nearly three hours before the festivities got underway, they settled into their lawn chairs near the corner of Ste-Catherine and Metcalfe Sts. instead, a blanket from home draped over their laps. Decked out in green and holding hot chocolates from a nearby Tim Hortons, the change in routine — and the dropping temperatures — didn’t seem to bother the family by the time the floats, marching bands and Irish societies started parading before them. “We come because we love it,” said Laprade, 53, with his son Patrick, 12, and daughter Jessica, 15, nodding next to him. “And they love showing their Irish roots.” Advertisement Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content Montreal Gazette Thousands of Irish Montrealers and honorary Irish gathered downtown for the city’s 196th edition of the St. Patrick’s Parade on Sunday afternoon. Having moved back to Ste-Catherine St. after being held on de Maisonneuve Blvd. last year, the parade appeared to go off without a hitch. More than 30 floats and 2,500 people took part. “This is great,” said Joan Norris, 72, with an Irish flag coloured scarf wrapped around her neck. In all, Norris figured it was her 33rd edition of the parade. Until he died a few years ago, her husband, David, marched each year with the Two Mountains Irish Society, she said. “So we keep up the tradition of coming down and remembering him,” she said. By early afternoon, both sidewalks had filled with families and friends dressed in different shades of green. A party-like atmosphere had overtaken the Bishop and Crescent corners on Ste-Catherine St., with people joyfully dropping in and out of nearby Irish pubs. Advertisement Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content Wearing a green wig and oversized shamrock glasses, Jamie Wikan, 40, was glad to be among them. “I’m German, but Irish for the day,” he said between horn blows and sips from a novelty cup. Wikan has been attending the parade for the last decade, he said, regardless of the weather: “rain or shine, hail or sleet.” “Montreal celebrates St Patrick’s Day like nobody else,” he said. “It’s just awesome. It’s inclusive and everyone has a good time.” Photo by Peter McCabe / MONTREAL GAZETTE Montreal Mayor Valérie Plante had kicked off the festivities earlier this week by presenting a $35,000 cheque to parade organizers. As she marched alongside city councillors near the front of the parade, a green sash across her black coat, Plante was greeted with rowdy cheers of “Let’s go Montreal!” Advertisement Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Article content “On this day when we gather in good spirits, I want to wish a happy St. Patrick’s Day to all Montrealers,” she wrote on Twitter before taking part, “to the Irish and to those who are Irish in their hearts!” Roughly 300 volunteers and cadets provided security throughout the day. As of late afternoon, the Montreal police had not reported any incidents. jfeith@postmedia.com Twitter.com/jessefeith Related Share this article in your social network Latest National Stories Advertisement Story continues below This advertisement has not loaded yet, but your article continues below. Montreal Gazette Headline News Sign up to receive daily headline news from the Montreal Gazette, a division of Postmedia Network Inc. Email Address There was an error, please provide a valid email address. By clicking on the sign up button you consent to receive the above newsletter from Postmedia Network Inc. 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Tens of thousands gathered in Montreal Sunday to watch the city's 196th annual St. Patrick's Day parade. It's one of the oldest and biggest parades in North America, with more than 100 groups that take part. Even the dogs were feeling the festive spirit during the 2019 St. Patrick's Day Parade in Montreal. (CBC) The parade rolled down Ste-Catherine Street under a bright mid-March sun, back to its usual route after construction forced a change last year. Irish dancers offered a traditional performance on their float. (CBC) The parade is a festive event that highlights the Irish community in the city and its contributions. Compared with previous years, the weather was mild and spring-like. The Hellenic Community of Greater Montreal school students drummed their way through the parade. (Craig Desson/CBC) The parade brings together groups from different cultures and industries to participate and make their mark. Spectators of all ages came together to watch the parade and cheer on the floats. The Montreal Chan Lion Dance Club took to the street Sunday, performing a green version of their Chinese lion dance as part of its effort to share Chinese culture. (Craig Desson/CBC) The Montreal Chan Lion Dance Club even performed a version of their traditional Chinese dance as they passed along Ste-Catherine Street. The Montreal SPCA was also there with bells on, dressing their pups in their finest green outfits. Even the dogs were dressed to the nines. (CBC) The event featured floats, dancers, politicians and even some familiar faces from CBC Montreal. CBC sends a contingent every year to participate in the parade. The crew from CBC Montreal was excited to participate in the parade. (Craig Desson/CBC) Montreal's Irish community is an important part of the city's history and the shamrock symbol is even featured on the city's official flag.