(l-r) City of Groton Chief of Police Mike Spellman, Lori Potter, Director of Communications, Mashantucket Pequot Tribal Nation, Jan Miller, Regional Ambassador, Alexis Ann, editor & publisher,
the Resident and Ed Stebbins, Stebbins Buyers & Sellers Realty.

The 15th Annual Mystic Irish Parade stepped off without a hitch from the Mystic Seaport parking lot at 1 pm on Sunday, March 25th. Despite the morning snow the sun shone intermittently on hundreds of floats, thousands of participants and several thousand spectators.
You might say that the Luck of the Irish was certainly in full play as the snow stopped just short of the parade but as Leo Roche, Parade Founder and Foundation President commented that morning with a twinkle in his eyes and broad Irish grin, “How do you like the weather–It doesn’t snow on the biggest Irish parade in the State of Connecticut.” From bagpipers, to high school bands, fire engines—new and old; to military personnel, law enforcement units to politicians, leprechauns, mariners and the world famous Budweiser Clydesdales. They were all marching in high style while proudly displaying their Irish heritage if even in spirit alone.
Grand Marshals for 2018 were Rob and Bob Valenti, Rob walked while Bob rode in his beloved 1975 Chevrolet that Bob purchased brand new and has kept in the same condition ever since it’s purchase. The Grand Marshals were also in for a special treat when Sift Bakery presented them with a five layer chocolate cake decorated with the parades logo signifying 15 years for the parade.
The parade was capped off with the Budweiser Clydesdales stopping at the reviewing stand to deliver a special case of beer to Leo Roche. Leo was also able to climb up and ride the rest of the route back to Mystic Seaport smiling ear to ear while playing with the Dalmatian mascots along the way.
Parade winners will be awarded on April 8th, 3 pm at Harp & Hound in Downtown Mystic. All are invited to join in the celebration and raise a glass or two to the well-deserving winners. In addition to the winners being awarded the parades raffle for a trip to Ireland will also be pulled at 4 pm. It’s not too late to win a trip to Ireland! See www.mysticirishparade.org for more information.