A Letter to 2011 Parade Participants

Mystic Irish Parade Coordinator
Mystic Irish Parade Foundation
P.O. Box 505
Mystic, CT 06355

December 4th, 2011

Dear Sir or Madam,

The Mystic Irish Parade foundation is excited to invite you to participate in this year's 2011 parade. It will take place at 1pm on Sunday, March 2. The parade foundation is very proud of its development over the last seven years and eagerly awaits the start of the 2011 parade.

The 2010 parade operationally, was a resounding success. Unfortunately, as is the case for many charitable organizations, the economic climate we exist in today has had a distinct impact on our fundraising efforts. In addition, the parade is met with several rising costs associated with operating the parade. The MIPF is a dedicated foundation that depends solely on sponsorship and financial support to operate. In order to meet these financial requirements in 2011 we will have to hold firmly all fees paid to pipe bands, bugle corps and other such entities at or below those of 2010. We empathize with you all and understand that you have the same hardships, however this is out of necessity if we are to continue to operate the parade. We will understand if this means that you cannot participate this year. Please note that our 2011 operating budget for paid groups has been reduced by 20%. We encourage you to promptly return your applications. All paid groups will be notified by email if they will be included in the 2011 parade.

Attached in this mailing is the application form. In addition, we ask that each of you please read our updated rules and regulations that can be found on our website at www.mysticirishparade.org. We ask that you read and follow the updated 2011 rules and regulations in its entirety. This will ensure a safe and successful 2011 Mystic Irish Parade.

Please note that due to additional time constraints the deadline for applications is Feb 1st , 2011. We appreciate your attention to this deadline and thank you in advance for your diligence in this matter.

All questions and additional information can be fielded to the parade director at mysticpdirector@hotmail.com or via mail at the address above. The parade director will do his best to return all questions in a timely manner.

Thank you for your interest in the 2011 Mystic Irish Parade and we look forward to accommodating you this year.

Yours truly,

Mystic Irish Parade Foundation

Key Changes in 2011

To address the growth of the parade we will make several changes to the parking lot.

Oversized Vehicles: All oversized vehicles with the exception of our host fire department will be required to be in the parking lot by 10 am. We will open the parking lot one hour earlier to accommodate designated oversize vehicles ONLY. If you will not be able to comply with this request then please do not complete an application for this year. There will be MIPF staff on site beginning at 8.45am.THE PARKING LOT FOR OVERSIZED VEHICLES ONLY WILL OPEN PROMPTLY AT 9AM
Oversized Vehicles: During the winter months the downtown area of mystic including the drawbridge will be under construction. This will present certain challenges for the parade. The bridge at parade time will be a single lane and there will be also height restrictions. Therefore, the parade will strictly adhere to the following height and width restrictions Vehicles can be no wider than 10ft and no taller than 12ft (Size of average fire truck). It is the sole responsibility of the participant to meet these specific requirements. The MIPF reserve the right to not allow entry to a float/vehicle that they feel will break the above noted restrictions.
Parking spaces: As you are all aware, parking spaces are of a premium. This year we will be unable to accommodate individual parking. We ask that you address this by car pooling. We understand the challenges this may pose, but ask that you also appreciate the sheer volume of traffic we will face on that day.
Youth Groups: All youth groups etc must identify a muster point and time. Please note that we will not allow parents to park in the muster lot unless they will be a parade participant and are given one of the designated parking spots.
Buses: As in previous years there will be no bus parking space available in the muster lot. Buses will be allowed into drop off and then must leave immediately.
Lot and Road Closure: The parking lot and surrounding roads will close PROMPTLY at 12.30pm. No vehicle admittance will be allowed after this time. This will ensure a timely step off time. The Stonington Police Dept will be strictly enforcing these time frames.
Parade Finish: One area we identified as a challenge in 2010 was the parade termination point. This year we will have parade volunteers stationed at the end of the parade to ensure that we do not have any hold ups or delays. Our goal is to complete the parade from start to finish in less than 90 minutes. We ask that you plan accordingly.
Alcohol: As in previous years alcohol consumption in the muster parking lot and along the parade route WILL be strictly forbidden. The Police of Stonington and Groton will be strictly monitoring and enforcing this policy. Please help us to continue our great family centered experience.