Toronto’s St. Patrick’s Parade celebrated by more than the Irish

Although it’s famously a celebration of all things Irish, Toronto’s St. Patrick’s Parade also aims to be “one of the most diverse events in this city and in this country,” says Parade Society chair Shaun Ruddy.

“We include everybody. We include every sector of law enforcement. We’ve got public servants, we’ve got labour,” he said Friday during a pre-parade fundraiser at Toronto’s Steam Whistle Brewery.

“We’re not here to deny any groups. That’s not our thing.”

St. Patrick’s Parade Toronto Society Chair Shaun Ruddy (left) and 2019 St. Patrick’s Parade Grand Marshal Michael Gallagher celebrate Irish culture at the Grand Marshal Ball on Friday, March 8. (PJ Boyd/Toronto Observer)

This year’s parade, which took place on Sunday, included an estimated 4,000 marchers, organizers said. It also featured traditional representation of every county in the Republic of Ireland and Northern Ireland.

Marchers and floats represented by other countries celebrated Irish culture in in their own way during the parade. Participants included those from Mexico, China, Ukraine and the Philippines.

Members of the Baturyn Ukrainian Youth Association march in Toronto’s 2019 St. Patrick’s Parade.

The Philippine Heritage Band added a dash of red to this year’s St. Patrick’s Parade.

The Wushu Canada Dragon dance team dazzled the crowd at this year’s parade.

Members of Toronto Paramedic Services collected donations for the Daily Bread Food Bank during the parade.

Uniformed Toronto police brought out the big horses at this year’s parade.

Sounding good! The Burlington Teen Tour Band march in the St. Patrick’s Parade.

Royal Canadian Legion Branch 163 marched and played at the parade.

Royal Canadian Legion Branch 170 Uxbridge added a dash of plaid to the parade.

The Queen’s York Rangers drove a tank along the parade route.

Members of the Ayr Paris Band make beautiful music at the St. Patrick’s Parade.

Flags flying, members of Local 46 Plumbers and Steamfitters were on hand at the parade.

Irish singer Mundy makes his Canadian debut at the Grand Marshal Ball, held March 8 at Steam Whistle Brewery.

Those attending the Grand Marshall Ball were treated to an Irish-themed art installation.

“We are all together,” said Sgt. Derek O’Donoghue, an officer in Toronto’s Traffic Services. “We all play a part and we are all a part of this city. It’s great to see that our officers are out there.”

Uniformed police officers march in the 2019 Toronto St. Patrick’s Parade on Sunday, March 10. (PJ.BOYD/TORONTO OBSERVER NEWS)

“We include anybody that wants to be coming out and celebrate Irish culture on St. Patrick’s Day or leading up to St. Patrick’s Day,” said Michael Gallagher, Grand Marshal of the 2019 parade.

“And in this way, you build bridges. We build bridges between communities. We believe in inclusion. So it’s very, very important.”

Gallagher is business manager of the International Union of Operating Engineers, Local 793. He was given the title of Grand Marshal this year  because of his ongoing support of Toronto’s Irish community.

Toronto’s St. Patrick’s Parade takes place yearly on the Sunday prior to St. Patrick’s Day.