Ronan dressed up in green for St. Patrick's Day
KRISTI NIEMEYER | Hagadone News Network | UPDATED 2 years, 5 months AGO
TRADITIONAL GREEN HORSE strolled through Ronan Sunday as part of the St. Patrick Day Parade's equine brigade. (Kristi Niemeyer/Leader)
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 the 2024 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)
Kristi Niemeyer learned her newspaper licks at weekly newspapers, beginning at the Mission Valley News in 1981, then at the helm of the Ronan Pioneer and, eventually, as co-editor of the Lake County Leader until 1993. She launched and co-published Lively Times, a statewide arts and entertainment monthly, before returning to the Leader in 2022, and serving as its editor until July 2026. Reach her at [email protected] | 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 the 2024 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)ARTICLES BY KRISTI NIEMEYER
One Crew, One Ship: Polson High starts year under one roof
The Polson High School theme this year, “One Crew, One Ship,” chosen by the incoming senior class, aptly reflects changes students and staff will see when school starts next week.
One Crew, One Ship: Polson High starts year under one roof
The Polson High School theme this year, “One Crew, One Ship,” chosen by the incoming senior class, aptly reflects changes students and staff will see when school starts next week.
Mission Valley Aquatics and Fitness undergoes major facelift
Devoted swimmers were forced to find their swim fix in Flathead Lake this month while Mission Valley Aquatics and Fitness was closed for significant repairs and upgrades.