A Letter to 2012 Parade Participants

Dear 2012 Mystic Irish Parade Attendee,

Welcome and congratulations on your acceptance to the 2012 Mystic Irish Parade. We look forward to hosting you and your parade unit. We have 90 units and close to 1600 participants. As you can imagine a great deal of planning and effort has gone into this year’s parade. I would like to take this chance to thank our many supporters and sponsors for their help this year. In addition, I would also like to thank my fellow board members who have worked long and tirelessly to make this the biggest parade ever.

The parade is supported by many organizations and businesses. We have great support from many local residents and businesses, whose support has ensured that this parade is a continued success. We hope that you will frequent many of these businesses on the day of the parade and show your gratitude.

The south parking lot at the Mystic Seaport will open promptly at 9am for oversize vehicles ONLY and 10am for all other vehicles and attendees. The road and the lot will close promptly at 12.30pm. This year parking will be very limited. Please ensure that you make the necessary arrangements prior to arrival at the parking lot to ensure a fast and easy setup. Bus parking will not be permitted. Buses will need to find space at the end of the parade.

Oversized Vehicles: As I have mentioned in all my communications, the Mystic drawbridge is under construction. It is your responsibility to ensure that your vehicles meet the requirements needed to cross safely. We reserve the right to not permit you to enter if we feel your vehicle will not safely cross the bridge. The dimensions are 10ft wide by 12ft high.

Upon arrival at the lot you will be given a parking number and parade volunteers will direct you to your assigned spots. We ask, based on the number of participants that you do not move or remove any cones. If you are in need of additional space please speak with a parade volunteer and ask for assistance.

Once parked the “lead” representative of the parade unit must register with the parade. The registration tent will be SITUATED at the entrance of the parking lot. Please ensure you register your unit to ensure correct placement and also so that your grand stand announcements are correct. Registration will close promptly at 12:30pm.

As the village of Mystic prepares for the 2010 Mystic Irish Parade, the Mystic Irish Parade Foundation, along with the Groton and Stonington Police Dept must insist that the drinking of alcoholic beverages will not be allowed on the parade route. Public drinking laws will be enforced. The police will be making public drinking arrests along the parade route.

No stopping or performing in front of the reviewing stand or along the parade route is permitted. Parade officials will strictly enforce this regulation.
No alcoholic beverages are to be consumed or carried along the parade route, or in the staging area, by spectators or participants in the parade. The Groton and Stonington Police will strictly enforce penalties for disorderly conduct and alcohol violations. In addition, The Mystic Irish Parade Foundation reserves the right to exclude any and all unit members for any violation of its set forth rules. Expulsion of a parade unit could also include the reduction or forfeiture of any fees pertaining to the parade.
Inclement Weather: The parade will go on rain or shine. All paid units should note that the Mystic Irish Parade has a minimum of 12 parade participants per unit for payment.
The presence of placards, banners or other devices including pamphlets intended to spread propaganda, political views or to embarrass any group or unit of marchers are prohibited.
To prevent possible injury, no items such as candy or toys are to be thrown from automobiles, trucks, floats or from marchers to parade viewers.
The use of sirens and air horns during the parade is strictly prohibited. The use of these can cause problems in the event of a true emergency. NOTE: Violators of this order may be prohibited from future parade participation.
STARTING POINT: The head of the parade steps off at 1:00 p.m. All units and individuals participating must be in position, ready to move out, no later than 12:30pm
REVIEW: The parade is reviewed as follows: The Grand Marshal, Parade Officers, Parade Committee and distinguished guests at the reviewing stands in front of the Chelsea Groton Bank on Water St. Mystic
The Mystic Irish Parade starts promptly at 1:00 p.m.
Parade Orders: Will be uploaded to our web site www.mysticirishparade.org on Saturday, March 20th by 10am. Please ensure that you visit this site prior to the arrival at the muster point.
Emergency Contact information: 860-608-4883. Strictly for emergency use only! These phones will only be active ON the day of the parade.
Fire Departments/Ambulance Units: All participating departments (except for the Mystic Fire Dept.) will be limited to only one truck. No exceptions will be given.

As a participant in the parade, your cooperation in making this a safe family event is greatly appreciated.

Cheers,

Matt Forde
The Mystic Irish Parade Foundation