St. Patrick's Day parade and party in Ottawa

Irish celebrations continued in the capital on Saturday as things turned green for St. Patrick’s Day.

The parade started at City Hall at 11a.m. and bagpipes lead the way down Bank St. to Lansdowne where the festivities continued in the Aberdeen Pavilion.

Born in Ireland, Mary Ledue was in Ottawa to watch the parade with her family.

“Back home, when I grew up, this is what I saw. My family was a musical family, they played all kinds of instruments, the accordion, the piano, guitars, and the Irish step dancing we use to do it as kids as well,” said Ledue.  

Her children and grandchildren were born in Canada and the United States but she said they grew up listening to Irish music and taking part in Irish traditions like dancing as well.

According to the president of the Irish Society in the National Capital Region, Bryan Daly, about 28 per cent of people in the Capital region are Irish or of Irish background.  

Daly said the parade and party as Lansdowne were put on in support Irish culture and heritage.

The St. Patrick’s Day party at Lansdowne was a joint event between the Irish Society and Beau’s Brewing Company. It runs until 9p.m. on Saturday, March 19^th.

Once again, the Ottawa Food Bank picked up non-perishable food items and cash donations during the parade. You can find out more information on the food bank and how to donate here.