Mystic’s Irish Parade Draws Spectators From Near And Far

With spring in the air, spectators came from near and far to enjoy Mystic’s 8th Annual Irish Parade. The parade began at 1 p.m. in the parking lot, winding into downtown Mystic and ending at the .  Consisting of floats, pipers, Irish Dancers, animals, veterans, firemen, dignitaries and pirates, the parade was met with an enthusiastic Irish loving crowd. 

An hour before the event traffic was backed up to the freeway as visitors scavenged for parking.  Chairs and blankets lined the streets five and six deep, filled with families, smiling faces, locals and visitors.

The crowd, predominantly dressed in green, donned Irish baubles and children had shamrock painted cheeks.  produced a Guinness lined bar as many made a pit stop in the Irish pub waiting for the parade to start.

“I love it,” said Mystic resident Maria Wilson in anticipation of this year’s attraction. “The whole community comes out and everyone is in a good mood, everyone has kids and dogs. I have always been a volunteer firefighter so if I’m not in the parade, I’m attending it.”

Sponsored by the Mystic Irish Parade Foundation along with L&M and many local businesses, the event pulled thousands of spectators last year and appears to have done it again. 

Police officer Mike McCarthy worked the previous year and says the crowds keep growing every year and this year look bigger than last.

Spearheading the parade were grand marshal Elizabeth Connors Martinelli followed by dignitaries such as Stonington First Selectman, Ed Haberek, Senator Richard Blumenthal and Lieutenant Governor Nancy Wyman.  They began at the seaport in Mystic and were delivered to a stage in front of where they were able to sit and enjoy the parade.

Dave Doyle emceed the parade, sprinkling humor and enthusiasm throughout the event, saying that this is the only time a man can wear a skirt and get away with it.

The parade consisted of over 10 pipers, 20 bands, 100 participating groups and plenty of crowd pleasing explosives.

The parade drew participants from as far as Milford, New Haven, Deep River and Rhode Island. Even Miss Connecticut drove through waving to the crowds.

Mystic resident Shaun O’Malley attended for the first time. "I didn’t really know what to expect but I’m impressed with the atmosphere, it’s nice to see downtown Mystic like this," O'Malley said.

The parade finished up with a bang.  Headlining participants, the Red Hot Chilli Pipers came down Main Street blaring a hybrid AC/DC meets Ireland groove.  Cheering crowds flocked to the open bed truck and Irish dancers from the crowd broke out in performance as the truck stopped and the musicians continued with another crown pleaser. 

Bill Andrews, an original parade founder, said, "We put this together as a family and community event."  Bringing community together, he said, “that’s the Irish way.”

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