Sunday’s St. Patrick’s Day parade in Peterborough faced its fair share of challenges from the start, as a winter storm early in the morning had organizers bracing for cancellations. While some entries and marching bands were forced to pull out due to the weather, the energy and community spirit remained high.
According to parade organizer Tim Burke, nearly 60 entries made it to the parade route, including six marching bands, despite late withdrawals from five of them to protect costly instruments. With families, local groups, and performers participating, the parade delivered the festive atmosphere that has made it a staple of Peterborough’s spring celebrations.
Burke says when he woke up to a blizzard, he was wondering if the parade could even go ahead.
Despite the weather hurdles, the parade featured standout performances and remarkable floats. From local hockey teams to talented dance troupes, participants showed off their skills while judges and community members cheered them on. New categories were added this year to recognize more winners, celebrating the diversity and effort of the participants.
Judges’ picks for best entries and floats this year:
Best tribute to Ireland: O’Brien family of Assumption
Best community group: Electric City Hockey
Best dance troupe: St. James Players
Best family: O’Brien family (Mike O’Brien’s family)
Best musical or band: Sea Cadets
Best walking band: Quigley family / Hunt the Hare band
Best business float: Treescape (Mike Crowe & Sean Allen)
Best overall float: Doherty family
When asked what entry stood out to him in the parade, Burke said it’s tough to single out anyone, as they were all amazing, but says there was one entry that stood out for their energy and excitement
Organizing a parade of this scale is a year-round effort, and Burke emphasized the teamwork behind the scenes. From securing permits to coordinating volunteers, the success of the event is a testament to a dedicated committee that works tirelessly to make the celebration run smoothly.
The parade’s success relies on months of preparation and a committed team of volunteers.
Despite a rocky start, the parade proved that Peterborough’s St. Patrick’s Day spirit can weather any storm. With the community coming together, organizers are already looking ahead to next year, hoping for sunnier skies and even more energy along the parade route.
(Written by: Scott Arnold)
