The Winnipeggers get festive at the St. Patrick’s Day parade on Saturday

Some Winnipeg streets were all green Saturday as the annual St. Patrick’s Day parade made its way through the Polo Park area.

The parade returned after a long hiatus due to the COVID-19 pandemic and organizers were overjoyed to bring it back.

“I find it quite exciting. We were super ready for the parade,” said parade coordinator Margaret Gannon. “Everything was still in the basement, pretty much ready to go. So here we are three years later and we are unpacking.”

Gannon said every city in the world has a St. Patrick’s Day parade and the celebrations are healthy and inclusive.

“Good for kids and families and people from all over the city to unite and enjoy a wonderful afternoon in the sun, walking together and enjoying our communities.”

This year, the parade really leaned into greenery, using upcycled and homemade props. Gannon said some of the decorations were made from painted cardboard.

“It turns out that cardboard is a wonderful medium. Getting it wet and letting it dry will keep it in shape. We’ve got these gorgeous goblin heads and a couple of guys in some goblin suits that could wear an extraordinarily large head.

Gannon said the event brings lots of smiles and joy: “All the smiling faces, like I would do that every day if I could.”

The day-long event featured a specially curated playlist of jigging Irish party music.

“Let everyone go at a fair pace, sing a little, cheer a little and dance a little.”

Gannon said the Irish Association has been an incredible friend of the parade.

“They opened us up with welcome arms. They’re very supportive, they’re very kind, they’re very considerate, and they’re just a lot of fun.”

“They have fun here all year round. And the best thing about the parade is that a lot of people can come and discover this beautiful little gem in Winnipeg that always has its doors open.”

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St. Patrick’s Day celebrations in Winnipeg