Participants Recognized for Outstanding Performance During Sunday’s Parade

The 20th annual Mystic Irish Parade stepped off to fantastic success as parade-goers from near and far gathered to celebrate Irish heritage. Downtown Mystic was filled with the Irish tricolor and the unmistakable sound of bagpipes as hundreds of marchers made their way along the route.

Led by Grand Marshal Judi Caracausa, the parade featured the Fitch and Stonington High School bands, law enforcement, state and regional representatives, members of the armed services, musical acts, floats, and more. Now that the festivities have concluded, it’s time to announce the winning participants of the 2025 Mystic Irish Parade.

2025 Parade Award Winners

Spirit of Mystic – Hugo A. Simonelli III / VFW Post
Spirit of the Green – Spirited Sole Irish Dance Academy
Best Pipe Band – Gaelic Highland Pipe Band
Best Float – Mystic Garden Club
Parade Ambassador – Knights of Columbus – Father Murphy Council
People’s Choice – Mystic Aquarium
Best Marching Band – Stonington High School
Best Musical Float – Crow & Cauldron
Best Musical Unit – Jammin 107.7
Most Unique – Academy Point Mystic
Most Entertaining – Veritable Distilling
Best Military Salute – City of New Haven Firefighters Emerald Society
Best Color Guard – Cranston Police Honor Guard
Best First Responders – Westerly Hand Tub #57 – Westerly Fire Department
Appreciation Award – Police Pipes & Drums of Waterbury
Ed Murphy Memorial Award – Duncklee Cooling & Heating / Waterford Country School
Larry Gemma Memorial Award – Girls on the Run

“We had a great parade this year. The sun was shining, the crowds were energized—it really couldn’t have gone better,” said Neil Ryan, Vice President of the Mystic Irish Parade Foundation. “I’m already looking forward to next year.”