With all the snow that was dumped on the city, some workers and shoppers downtown got to forget about winter for a little bit, getting a glimpse of spring during the noon hour.
The United Irish Societies of Montreal held its annual flag raising at Place Ville Marie followed by their mini-parade through the shopping mall.
Bagpipers and drummers were part of the event along with parade officials, the queen and princesses of the court and the Grand Marshal for this year's St. Patrick's Day parade, Montreal mayor Denis Coderre.
"We like to remind Montrealers that the Irish season has started, with the choice of the queen and court last week, and that St. Patrick's Day is coming," said Kevin Murphy, v.p. of public relations for the United Irish Societies of Montreal.
The annual parade in downtown Montreal takes place at noon on March 19.
Nothing like a little pomp and ceremony to herald the coming of the St. Patrick's Day parade. #CJAD pic.twitter.com/R0Kwy8NmnR
— Shuyee Lee (@sleeCJAD) February 14, 2017