Mystic Irish Parade Foundation Parade Participant Instructions

Dear 2026 Mystic Irish Parade Participants,

Thank you for your interest in participating in the 2026 Mystic Irish Parade! As parade day approaches, we encourage all parade units and participants to carefully review the Parade Rules and Guidelines below to ensure a safe, enjoyable, and successful event for everyone.

The Mystic Irish Parade is one of the region’s most anticipated annual celebrations, welcoming tens of thousands of spectators and bringing together dozens of parade units and nearly 2,000 participants each year. This beloved community tradition is made possible through months of planning, coordination, and the dedication of our volunteer board members.

We extend our sincere appreciation to our sponsors, supporters, and community partners whose ongoing commitment allows this parade to thrive. We also encourage participants and visitors to support the local businesses and residents who help make parade day in Mystic so special.

Please review the following important parade information carefully:

Parking & Arrival

To address the continued growth of the parade, several changes have been made to parking and arrival procedures. These will be strictly enforced.

South Parking Lot – Mystic Seaport

  • 9:00 AM – Parking lot opens for OVERSIZED VEHICLES ONLY

  • 10:00 AM – Parking lot opens for all other vehicles and attendees

  • 12:15 PM – Lot and surrounding roads CLOSE PROMPTLY (no exceptions)

MIPF staff will be on-site beginning at 8:45 AM.

Oversized Vehicles (Strictly Enforced)

  • All oversized vehicles (except the host fire department) must arrive no later than 10:00 AM.

  • Oversized vehicles will NOT be accepted after 10:00 AM.

  • Oversized vehicles include:

    • Any vehicle larger than a standard car/SUV

    • Pickup trucks with trailers

    • Floats or specialty vehicles

If you are unable to comply, please do not submit an application for this year’s parade.

Size Restrictions

  • Maximum width: 10 feet

  • Maximum height: 12 feet (approximately the size of an average fire truck)

It is the sole responsibility of the participant to meet these requirements.
MIPF reserves the right to deny entry to any vehicle or float that does not meet these restrictions.

Participants with oversized vehicles will receive a separate email outlining arrival and staging procedures.

Parking Limitations

  • Parking space is extremely limited this year.

  • Individual parking cannot be accommodated.

  • Carpooling is strongly encouraged.

We understand this may pose challenges, but ask for your cooperation due to the volume of traffic on parade day.

Youth Groups

  • All youth groups will park at Rossie Field.

  • Groups will walk together to the muster area.

  • Each youth group is permitted two (2) support vehicles in the muster lot.

  • Parents will not be permitted to park in the muster lot unless assigned a designated parking space.

Special parking instructions have been emailed to all youth groups and must be followed.

Buses

  • No bus parking is available in the muster lot.

  • Buses may enter for drop-off only and must exit immediately.

  • Bus parking must be arranged at the end of the parade route.

Lot & Road Closure

  • The parking lot and surrounding roads will close promptly at 12:15 PM.

  • No vehicles will be admitted after this time.

  • These timeframes will be strictly enforced by the Stonington Police Department to ensure an on-time step-off.

  • Upon arrival, each unit will receive a parking number and be directed to its assigned location.

  • Do not move cones. If additional space is needed, contact a parade volunteer.

  • The unit’s lead representative must check in at the registration tent located at the parking lot entrance.

  • Registration closes promptly at 12:30 PM.

  • All paid units must pick up checks during registration.

Alcohol

  • Alcohol consumption is strictly prohibited in the staging area and along the parade route.

  • Public drinking laws will be enforced by the Groton and Stonington Police Departments.

  • Violations may result in immediate removal from the parade.

Candy & Giveaways

  • Nothing may be thrown from vehicles or by parade participants.

  • This includes candy, toys, or giveaways of any kind.

  • Violations present a serious safety risk and will not be tolerated.

Performances & Movement

  • Stopping along the route to perform is not permitted.

  • All routines must be executed while marching.

  • Parade marshals will be positioned throughout the route to ensure forward movement and prevent delays.

  • Performing or stopping in front of the reviewing stand is not permitted.

Sirens & Horns

  • Sirens and air horns are strictly prohibited, as they may interfere with emergency communications.

Prohibited Items

  • No political messaging, propaganda, pamphlets, or signage intended to embarrass or target any group.

Respect & Conduct

  • There is a zero-tolerance policy for verbal abuse.

  • All volunteers and staff are donating their time.

  • Any individual or unit engaging in inappropriate behavior may be removed from the parade, and paid compensation may be withheld if applicable.

Weather

  • The parade will be held rain or shine.

  • Paid units must have a minimum of 12 participants to receive payment.

  • All units must be in position by 12:30 PM.

  • Parade steps off promptly at 1:00 PM.

  • Reviewing stand location: Chelsea Groton Bank, Water Street.

Parade orders will be posted at
www.mysticirishparade.org
Friday, March 20th by 10:00 AM

Please review prior to arrival at the muster point.

860-608-4883
This number is active only on parade day and strictly for emergencies.

  • All participating departments (except Mystic Fire Department) are limited to one vehicle only.

  • No exceptions.

Thank you for your cooperation and for helping us make this a safe, enjoyable, family-friendly event.

Cheers,
Matt Forde
Parade Director
The Mystic Irish Parade Foundation

Kevin Fitzgerald
Associate Board Member
The Mystic Irish Parade Foundation