Former New England Patriot Troy Brown marched with a football. A strong man arm-wrestled a toddler. A golfer in a jumpsuit putted down Main Street. Townspeople cheered as a remote-control car (complete with miniature figurines) became a tiny parade float whizzing by.

With St. Patrick’s Day celebrations picking up around the United States, here is what you need to know about this year’s Boston St. Patrick’s Day parade.