Famous Clydesdales To Return For Annual Mystic Irish Parade

MYSTIC, CT — From agricultural power houses to romantic carriage rides to the superstars showcased in America’s favorite beer commercials, Clydesdales are infamous, and the Mystic Irish Parade Foundation is happy to announce these horses will be participating in this year’s renowned parade.

From March 20-26, this remarkable team of ten horses are making an appearance in Mystic, according to a release. The animals will be on display at Mystic Seaport during the week, and visitors will be able to see the horses in person.

On Sunday, March 25, they will be stars to the entire Southeastern Connecticut community by marching in the Mystic Irish Parade.

“The Clydesdales are unforgettable," Mystic Irish Parade Foundation Vice President Neil Ryan said in a release. "These are the horses that make appearances during the Super Bowl and they are in our local parade. It doesn’t get much better than bringing these classic animals to Mystic.”

The horses stand approximately six feet tall and on average weigh two thousand pounds. Chestnut, brown or black in color, the Clydesdales are most known for the long, white hair growing around their ankles called feathering. These gentle giants have docile personalities, making them extremely family friendly.

Levine Distributing, a major sponsor of the parade, was able to secure the Clydesdales for the parade, and the Mystic Irish Parade Foundation worked with Mystic Seaport to host the Clydesdales during their stay.

“The Clydesdales last visit to Mystic was 10 years ago and Mystic Seaport Hosted them at that time as well," Ryan said. "The Seaport had a fantastic turn out and it was the largest parade in our 15 year history!"

The Clydesdales will be housed in a temporary stable constructed on the grounds of Mystic Seaport. They will be available for viewing during their stay both before and after the parade.

In addition to the 15th annual parade on Sunday, March 25, other events include the Mystic Irish Parade Dinner on March 9, the Third Annual Mystic Irish 5K Road Race on March 17 and the Annual Raffle Drawing for a trip to Ireland on April 8.

More information about this year’s events, sponsorship opportunities or volunteering can be found at www.mysticirishparade.org.

Photo credit: Larry St. Pierre