It’s always a guessing game on St Patrick’s Day - will it be stormy or sunny (or both)?

As someone whose birthday is on March 17, I can tell you the scales tip heavily towards stormy and last Tuesday was no exception. It was raining buckets March 17 for the Ronan St. Patrick’s Day parade. But the rain didn’t quash anyone’s enthusiasm.

Parade goers were decked out in green plus raincoats and even an occasional umbrella. Because parades equal candy for small people, the kids all seemed to have a whole basket of candy and pockets full of wrappers.

Led by veterans carrying flags of the U.S., State of Montana, Confederated Salish and Kootenai Tribes, and armed forces, the parade began at 5:30 p.m.

The Templer family brought the traditional “green” horse, but this year they also had a sorrel horse with green stockings and a green stripe on his face.

Giant four-leaf clovers, leprechaun hats, pots of gold and dollar signs adorned floats along with lights, balloons, and sparkly green garlands. One float bore a life-size unicorn, dancing with a candy thrower. Even the motorcyclists were decked out as leprechauns.

The Ronan Volunteer Fire Department also was out in force, with Tim the Leprechaun perched on the end of the fire truck’s extension ladder.

Parade winners were announced at the Second Chance Saloon after the parade.

Winners were: Pub Wars — The Pheasant Lounge; Best Irish Animals — Templer family’s green horses; Green Team – Ronan Wrestling Club; Biggest Shamrocks – Second Chance Saloon; Most Irish — Mission Valley Survivors; and Best Overall — The Pheasant Lounge.

TRIC (The Ronan Irish Community) thanked the parade participants, judges and spectators “who so faithfully braved the weather to attend the 38th year of this event.” The crew also offered a special thanks to the American Legion for carrying the colors again this year; Dick Bratton who played the bagpipes; and the emergency vehicles “who are so valuable to our community.”

“Without all your help, this celebration wouldn't happen,” noted TRIC member Carlene Bockman.

“Remember, if you're lucky enough to be Irish, then you're lucky enough!"

    The Templer family road through Ronan last Tuesday astride green-tinted horses. (Berl Tiskus/Leader)
  

    Leprechauns apparently need farmers to grow potatoes for them, as evidenced by Ronan's St. Patrick's Day parade. (Berl Tiskus/Leader)
  

    Leprechaun-inspired motorcycle brigade rumbled through downtown Ronan March 17 during the annual St. Patrick's Day parade. (Berl Tiskus/Leader)
  

    As usual, Tim the Leprechaun brought up the rear of Ronan's parade perched high atop the Volunteer Fire Department's ladder truck. (Berl Tiskus/Leader)
  

    Members of the American Legion led the St. Patrick's Day parade through Ronan. (Berl Tiskus/photo)