Local 793 members, staff and their families helped to paint the town green, white and orange on Sunday, as Operating Engineers once again took part in Toronto’s St. Patrick’s Day parade.
Whether of Irish background or not, members jumped at the chance to join the annual celebration of Ireland’s history, culture and heritage. Local 793 marched proudly wearing Union jackets and hoodies, and were cheered all the way from Bloor Street West to Nathan Phillips Square.
Despite an afternoon chill that ensured all those jackets were kept zipped up tight, Local 793 participants soon marched their way along the broad downtown streets that generations of Operators had helped build.
With the Irish leading the way, community groups from many other cultures also joined in the fun – with businesses, emergency personnel and sporting associations adding to the mix.
While New York might put on the world’s largest St. Patrick’s Day parade, and Montreal has Canada’s oldest, Toronto can proudly lay claim to having the most diverse. On the strength of Sunday’s staging, it might also be the most fun.
See the video and photos from the 2023 Toronto St. Patrick’s Day parade below.
