Mystic Irish Parade Award Winners Announced

MYSTIC, CT — The 15th Annual Mystic Irish Parade stepped off without a hitch from the Seaport parking lot at 1 p.m. on Sunday, March 25. Despite the morning snow, the sun shone intermittently on hundreds of floats, thousands of participants and several thousand spectators.

From bagpipers, to high school bands, to politicians, leprechauns, mariners and the world famous Budweiser Clydesdales, all were marching in style while proudly displaying their Irish heritage, according to a release.

Grand Marshal’s for 2018 were Rob and Bob Valenti, who 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 capped off with the Budweiser Clydesdales stopping at the reviewing stand to deliver a special case of beer to Leo Roche, the president and founder of the Mystic Irish Parade. Roche 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 8 at 3 p.m. 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 parade's raffle for a trip to Ireland will also be pulled at 4 p.m. It’s not too late to win a trip to Ireland!

See www.mysticirishparade.org for more information.

Here are the 2018 award winners:

Best Non-Profit: Sacred Heart

Most Entertaining: Mystic Seaport

Best Community Spirit: Girl Scouts Mystic, Groton, Stonington, North Stonington

Best Irish Flag: Mystic Knights of Columbus

Spirit of Mystic: St. Patrick Church, Mystic, CT

Best Dancers: Spirited Soles Irish dance Academy

Larry Gemma Memorial Award: Hugo A Simonelli VFW Post #3263 Mysitc

Best High School Band: Westerly High School Marching Band

Best Military Salute: Guardians of the Purple Heart

Best Marching Band: Stonington High School Band

Spirit of the Green Award: Connecticut State Police Emerald Society

Best Salute: Connecticut State Police

Best Color Guard: Stamford Police Department (Honor Guard)

Best First Responders: Rhode Island Professional Firefighters Pipes and Drums

Best Float: Jammin 107.7 & Soft Rock WBMW

Best Pipe Band: The Rhode Island Highlanders

Ed Murphy Memorial Award: New England Science & Sailing Foundation

Most Unique: JPO Productions LLC

Parade Ambassador: Free Men of the Sea

Best Newcomer: Kentish Guards Fife and Drum Corps

Best Musical Float: WBLQ AM 1230 and 96.7 THE BUZZ

Best Antique: Westerly Fire Department

Best Musical Unit: Mattatuck Drum Band

Most Athletic: New London County Rugby Club

People's Choice: The Budweiser Clydesdales

Photo credits: George Tazzini, Neil Ryan