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Ronan dressed up in green for St. Patrick's Day

by KRISTI NIEMEYER
Editor | March 21, 2024 12:00 AM

A profusion of green sprouted along Main Street in Ronan Saturday afternoon as spectators and parade participants alike paid homage to St. Patrick – the patron saint of Ireland.

The Honor Guard led the lineup, followed by horseback riders (including the traditional green horse), a large array of green-hued floats, the Great Scott Bagpipes, a few motorcyclists and fancy cars, and a brigade of emergency vehicles, with a leprechaun perched atop the ladder truck.

The Ronan Irish Community (TRIC) sponsors the well-attended annual affair, which was praised by organizer Carlene Bockman for “incredible and enthusiastic participants.”

Bockman offered “a big shout-out” to the many entries, parade judges, security, and spectators. She also expressed appreciation to those who dropped money in donation boxes to help defray costs.

“Even the weather was an awesome contributor,” she said.  

This year’s winners are:

Best Irish Animal – Golden Templer

Best Kids – Two Eagle River School

Most Irish – Great Scott Bagpipes

Green Team – Ronan Wrestling

Most Likely to go to Jail – O'Leary's Old Ladies

Biggest Shamrocks – Cheers Bar

Most Likely to Cause a Riot – Pheasant Bar

Pub Wars – 2nd Chance Saloon

Best Overall – Tenas Day Care

Remember, Bockman added, "if you're lucky enough to be Irish (or wanna be) then you're lucky enough!”

    NEON GREEN drivers piloted a RZR through Ronan Sunday. (Kristi Niemeyer/Leader)
 
 
    THESE WEE FOLK seemed to take St. Patrick's Day in Ronan entirely too seriously. (Kristi Niemeyer/Leader)
 
 
    VETERAN PARADE WATCHERS Jerry and Marlena Burden were full of St. Patrick's Day cheer. (Kristi Niemeyer/Leader)
 
 
    The usual array of emergency vehicles brought up the end of Ronan's St. Patrick's Day Parade, with a leprechaun straddling the ladder truck. (Kristi Niemeyer/Leader)
 
 
    DAPPER DACHSHUND marched along the St. Patrick's Day parade route Sunday on behalf of Dick's Pheasant Lounge. (Kristi Niemeyer/Leader)