PHOTOS: See Missoula’s St. Patrick’s Day Parade

What an excellent weekend to experience "false spring" in Missoula.

Missoula's St. Patrick's Day festivities were enjoyed by hundreds and were spread all over town. From the Run of the Luck of It to the Celtic Dragon Pipe Band, there was something for everyone on Saturday.

This year's parade down Higgins Avenue and over Beartracks Bridge was a major highlight for Missoulians.

From where I was standing on the bridge, only minutes after the parade started, the people standing in front of me said, "This is already better than last year's parade."

USS Montana Submarine Crew

The parade started with the personnel USS Montana, a Virginia-class attack submarine followed by at Missoula City Fire Truck. Machinist Mate Fisher said of the visit, “We're on the USS Montana, so we're out here to see the people of Montana and try to meet as many people as we can who have been providing us support through donations to the to the foundation to help us have a more Montana style boat.”

Having an understanding of Montana culture and values is part of the reason for the crew's visit, Bill Whitsiit, broadcaster and legislator explained. "We have always had the goal of making sure the sailors...whenever they are in dangerous waters on patrol that they know there are people with all of these attributes who are back home praying for them, pulling for them and wanting them to be safe."

The Floats in Missoula's St. Patrick's Day Parade

Parade floats this year included multiple balloons, Irish Wolf Hounds, Irish dancing, and lots of green accessories.

Supporting Nurses Float

Perhaps the float with the most participants was from the Montana Nurses Association, with many carrying signs indicating their years of service to area hospitals.

Keep scrolling for some of the best photos from Missoula's parade this past weekend.