Here's What To Know About The 19th Annual Mystic Irish Parade

Information via Mystic Irish Parade

MYSTIC, CT – Everything Irish will be on full display as the 19th Annual Mystic Irish Parade brings a hearty helping of Irish culture to the region beginning at 1 p.m., March 24.

The largest Irish parade in the region and among the largest in New England, the Mystic Irish Parade will start at the Mystic Seaport on Route 27 and proceed to the Mystic Art Association in the heart of downtown Mystic.

Along the way, more than 2,000 parade participants displaying all manner of Celtic attire and accessories will entertain crowds with music, dancing, and a number of Irish Wolfhounds and Irish Setters howling to more than a few immodest, kilt-flaunting bagpipers.

Groups interested in adding to this festive display can register online at Mystic Irish Parade.

This year’s parade will be led by Grand Marshal Bill Turner, who hails from good Irish stock in County Leitrim and County Galway. An executive with Berkshire Hathaway Home Services New England Properties – and winner of the Mystic Irish Parade ‘Best Float’ award in 2011 – Turner has served the community in many volunteer posts spanning a wide range of municipal and benevolent organizations.

“Bill embodies all that we feel is critical to serving as the Grand Marshal of the Mystic Irish Parade,” said Neil Ryan, President of the Mystic Parade Foundation. “Bill’s community service goes above and beyond, and he has proven that he is part of the fabric of the greater Mystic region. We are thrilled that Bill is leading the 2024 edition of the Mystic Irish Parade.”

Joining Turner as a parade celebrity will be this year’s Grand Colleen, a local student who will win a $1,000 scholarship upon selection by the Mystic Irish Parade Foundation.

The Mystic Irish Parade has grown over the years to include other events, including the Mystic Irish Parade Dinner, scheduled this year for 6 p.m., March 9, at the Velvet Mill, Stonington, and the Mystic Irish 5K, scheduled for 10 a.m. March 23 on Pearl Street, Mystic, with a fun run starting at 9:30 a.m. For more information about the parade and related events visit Mystic Irish Parade.

This annual community celebration is sponsored by dozens of area businesses and individuals, including major sponsors Stratedia, Mystic Aquarium, Levine Distributing, and F&F Distributors. Sponsorship opportunities are still available for those interested in joining this elite group of community-spirited enterprises.

The Mystic Irish Parade Foundation is comprised entirely of volunteers dedicated to promoting Irish heritage and organizing a spectacular event for the community. New members are always welcome.