Will be held on Sunday, March 25th, 2012
Parade kicks off at 1:00 p.m.
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Ryan Clan, 1974 |
Lá Fhéile Pádraig Sona Daoibh
Happy St Patrick’s Day to you all
Eight is Great! Welcome to the eighth annual Mystic St. Patrick’s parade! Over eight years ago a handful of volunteers got together and planned the first parade. At the time of the first parade my son was 17 months old and little did we realize what the future had in store for us and our little parade. Now my son is eight and following in his father’s footsteps marching beside me as I once did as a young lad a long time ago. Back then it was in another Irish parade in Rocky Point NY and it was my father that I was marching beside. I fondly remember those days as family and friends created ongoing traditions that became a part of my childhood; memories that I will cherish forever.
Now, eight short years later, I’m seeing similar traditions springing up around our parade, the office parties along the parade route, family gatherings in front yards, family parade day uniforms and parade goers staking their claim on the sidewalk the day before the parade. Our little Mystic parade has become a destination for friends and family traveling short and long distances for gatherings surrounding this great event. On this day not only do we celebrate all things Irish but life itself, the community we live in and most importantly our family and friends. So this year take a moment to stop, smell the clovers and cherish these times with the ones you love.
Now for a little about what we have in store for you this year. Last year over fifteen thousand spectators packed the streets of Mystic for the largest parade in the region. We’ve been hard at work all year and once again we’ll deliver you the Grandest parade in the land. There are some exciting new things to look for in this year’s parade as we welcome back the Fidelco Guide Dogs, Dinosaurs, 12 bands, countless fire departments and several new floats from area businesses. As usual we have a special treat for you, the world famous Red Hot Chille Pipers will be traveling down the parade route playing their contemporary bag pipe rock for all to enjoy. A special thanks to Lawrence and Memorial Hospital for sponsoring this magnificent group in our parade. Another special treat is that Senator Blumenthal will once again be marching with us for the first time as a Senator!
We’re also grateful for all of our sponsors. Without them, this parade would not be nearly the success it is today. We ask that you please help us return the favor and support our sponsors. Make a day out it and come down early and enjoy lunch with your family and or friends at one of the many sponsors restaurants in Mystic and the area.
Prize giving and Volunteer Appreciation
On Sunday, March 27th at 4:00 PM at the Harp & Hound Pub in Mystic, we will award trophies to the winning participants of the parade. We will also honor all of the hard working volunteers who help make the Mystic Irish Parade the success it is and the stature it is beginning to garner throughout New England. Lastly, we will hold the annual raffle drawing for a trip for 2 to Ireland. Raffle tickets can be purchased at the Harp & Hound, Puritan & Genesta, Taber Inne and the Wireless Zone in Groton for $5 per ticket.
These gala events are organized by the Mystic Irish Parade Foundation, a consortium of local residents, businesspeople, and volunteers who have joined ranks to make these annual events a community-wide cultural tradition. The parade is funded by proceeds from these events, the generosity of local business sponsorships, and the individual sale of raffle tickets. Surplus funds are donated to local charities.
Last years donations Exceeded $2,500 and included the Southeastern CT Women’s Center, Mystic Flag Pole Committee, Boy Scouts of America, Groton and Stonington Police Benevolent Associations, Centro de la Communidad of New London, Mystic YMCA, Pawcatuck Neighborhood Center, Saint Mark’s and Society of St. Edmund’s Retreat Center
Thank you and enjoy the festivities!
Neil Ryan
Vice President,
Mystic Irish Parade Foundation
www.mysticirishparade.org
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