The luck of the Irish was shining bright on the streets of Mystic as the Mystic Irish Parade Foundation officially announces the category winners for the 2026 parade season. From soaring pipe bands to community-driven nonprofits, this year’s participants displayed an extraordinary level of “Spirit of the Green.”

“The talent and dedication showcased this year made the judging process incredibly difficult,” said the Vice President Neil Ryan of the Foundation. “Every participant brought a unique energy that reinforces why this parade is a cornerstone of our community.”

2026 Official Award Recipients:

• Spirit of Mystic: Mystic Seaport Museum

• Spirit of the Green: Hugo A. Simonelli VFW Post 3263

• People’s Choice: Irish Wolfhound Association of New England

• Best Nonprofit: Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce

• Best Float: Catnip Junkies – Milestone

• Best Musical Float: Mystic Garden Club

• Best Marching Band: Police Pipes & Drums of Waterbury

• Best Pipe Band: Gaelic Highland Pipe Band

• Best Dancers: Crow and Cauldron Witch Dancers of Eastern CT

• Best First Responders: Yantic Fire Engine Company # 1

• Best Military Salute: Connecticut State Police Honor Guard

• Best Color Guard: Connecticut State Police Emerald Society

• Best Antique: Sound Home Inspection, LLC

• Best Decorated Business: Spice & Tea Exchange

• Best Newcomer: Irreverent Warriors Connecticut

• Most Entertaining: Russ Holly Machine Band

• Most Athletic: New London Rugby Club

• Most Unique: Stonington Vineyards

• Best Community Spirit: Girls on the Run of Southeastern CT

• Best Irish Flag: Father Murphy Council Knights of Columbus 1943

• Parade Ambassador: St. Patrick’s Church

Memorial & Specialty Awards:

• Larry Gemma Memorial Award: Dentsu/Diageo/Guinness/FnF

• Ed Murphy Memorial Award: Sailing Masters of 1812 Fife & Drum Corps

• Best Pipe Band (Regional): Rhode Island professional firefighters pipe band

Special Recognition

The Mystic Irish Parade Foundation would like to extend a heartfelt “Thank You” to all our sponsors, volunteers, and the thousands of spectators who celebrate with us. We would like to specifically recognize this year’s major sponsors, Mystic Aquarium and ASA Environmental, whose generous support is vital to the continued success of this community tradition.