Story & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb.com

U.S. Senators Chris Murphy and Richard Blumenthal joined Gov. Dannel Malloy and Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman.

Sandy Hook first responders march in the 2013 Hartford St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

The Luck of the Irish clearly shone on the 2013 Hartford St. Patrick’s Day Parade held Saturday March 9, under sunny skies with temperatures approaching 50 degrees. Just a day before 20 inches of snow fell on the area. Nonetheless, the capital city’s streets and sidewalks were cleared to the bone to accommodate the tens of thousands of spectators who turned out for one of its most popular events. Naturally, green was the color of the day!

Green and white ribbons were also worn by some 300 parade units in honor of the 20 first graders and six educators killed by a gunman at Sandy Hook Elementary School in Newtown three months ago. Sandy Hook first responders took part and were greeted with warmth and respect as they marched by parade goers who vigorously applauded them; those who were seated stood.

Sandy Hook first responders were vigorously applauded.

2013 Parade Grand Marshal Jim Mulcahy interviewed.

Irish step dancers in front of the reviewing stand.

Connecticut’s governor Dannel Malloy, who  is of Irish heritage,  marched alongside Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman wearing her signature high heels – this pair, what else -green. They were joined by others of the Connecticut congressional delegation including, United States Senators Richard Blumenthal (or was that O’Blumenthal for the day) and Chris Murphy. Malloy and Wyman are slated to participate in today’s New Haven St. Patrick’s Day Parade.

Back from military deployment in Afghanistan and back on the job as deputy chief of the Hartford Fire Department, Dan Nolan (center) marched with the Hartford Fire Emerald Society.

Hartford Fire Department Deputy Chief Dan Nolan.

Windsor Locks Middle School Band.

Linesmen’ Float took second place.

Richard Graziano,Person of the Year.

Hartford police marched.

Towns from Greater Hartford and beyond were represented by marching bands, Boy Scouts, Irish step dancers, fife & drum corps, bagpipers, labor union floats, firefighters and police. And, the governor’s foot and horse guards participated. The approximate three hour parade kicked off near the capitol building making its way through downtown Hartford and ended in front of the Soldiers & Sailors Memorial Arch.

(Writer’s note:NBC Connecticut’s George Colli reported that Sandy Hook first responders, who were dining with Hartford Mayor Pedro Segarra at a restaurant on Trumbull Street were the first responders to come to the aid of three pedestrians struck by a hit and run vehicle outside the restaurant after the parade. The driver of the vehicle has reportedly been apprehended and the victims are said to be in the hospital in stable condition.)