Most people don’t believe me when I tell them that before Sunday, I’d never attended a single St. Patrick ’s Day parade in Montreal! A tradition that dates back to 1824, Montrealers are known for their enthusiasm regarding the event, so how can it be that I’ve never been to Montreal’s St. Patrick’s day parade? Well, what can I say; there’s a first time for everything, right? On Sunday, March 14^th, I finally attended the famous parade! Not only did I attend, I participated.

I’m Louise Couillard, Customer Service Supervisor at BATH FITTER in St. Eustache, Quebec. Once again, like last year, BATH FITTER entered a float in the parade. I decided to join the company’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade committee to help make it happen. About sixty BATH FITTER employees worked tirelessly during lunch breaks and evenings for two weeks to prepare the float for the big day. We built a large “pot of gold” and made two big rainbows for the float. We also made two large Irish flags to be displayed and we even sewed together a bunch of cool costumes.

We were all really pumped up and looking forward to the event. After putting so much work into building the float, we couldn’t wait to drive it through the streets of Montreal and show everyone our team spirit. It being my very first time, I was especially excited. But, guess what happened on the day of the parade…it was pouring rain!

It was a cold, wet, rainy day, but that didn’t deter any of us from arriving as planned, and having an awesome time. Some of us dressed as leprechauns, and about ten of us were dressed as bars of gold, snuggled nicely into the big black BATH FITTER cauldron. Many of us wore bath robes as we all danced in the rain. Though, we were having so much fun, I don’t think we even noticed it was raining! We blasted the music as the float rolled down Ste-Catherine Street.

Some of us drove around in BATH FITTER tub go-carts while others, like me, wore a tub. That’s right; I wore a tub – a BATH FITTER tub that has had its bottom cut out, with over-the-shoulder straps. So there I was…a dancing tub!

Although it was raining, and though only a third of the normal crowd was out on the streets due to the rain, we partied and danced and laughed. I think the crowd really appreciated our float because we were all so enthusiastic. Everyone cheered as we drove by. Plus, we were handing out chocolate gold coins…who can say no to that?

Happy St. Patrick’s Day everyone!