Irish Folk music performed on one of the many floats in the 2014 Greater Hartford, CT St. Patrick’s Parade held Sat. March 15.

Story & Photos by Jacqueline Bennett newsandviewsjb

Grand Marshal Beverly Concannon.

It was another grand St. Patrick’s Parade that drew an estimated 60,000 spectators to downtown Hartford, Connecticut Saturday, March 15 to watch five thousand marchers.

This year’s Grand Marshal was Beverly Concannon, a longtime volunteer for the Irish American Home Society.

Parade honorees sit on the reviewing stand.

As is tradition the Hartford Fire Department Emerald Society was among the first parade units.

Hartford Fire Department Deputy Chief Dan Nolan, whose father co- founded the parade and once also served as deputy chief of the HFD.

Early morning clouds gave way to sunshine by the 11:00 a.m. onset of the parade.

Irish folk music filled the air, as well as, the sounds of “Danny Boy” performed by various high school marching bands.

As is tradition the Hartford Police Department led off the parade followed by the Hartford Fire Department Emerald Society.

The ever popular linesmen float.

Hartford Magnet Trinity College Academy Band.

Of course, there were bagpipers in kilts and a sea of green revelers who lined the parade route either in celebration of their Irish heritage or being “Irish for the day.”

Bagpipers in kilts.

The HPD took the lead.

Windsor Fife & Drum Corps marches faithfully each year.

Among the dignitaries who took part were Gov. Dannel Malloy and First Lady Cathy Malloy , Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman, -wearing her signature high, high heels – this pair of course in green – U.S. Senator Richard Blumenthal, Congressmen John Larson and Joe Courtney, and state Treasurer Denise Nappier.

First Company Governor’s Horse Guard.

Indicative of the significant role the Irish played in the American labor movement, a number of union locals participated such as the teamsters, the theatrical employees and the ever popular linesmen float.

Beautiful Irish Setters were a crowd  pleaser.

Both the First Company Governor’s Foot Guard and Horse Guard participated.

There were some beautiful Irish Setters – a real crowd pleaser,  a Gaelic Football Hurling demonstration and even green cotton candy!

The St. Patrick’s Parade is said to be Hartford’s biggest annual parade.

Gov. Dannel Malloy and First Lady Cathy Malloy.

Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman waves to the crowds – note her signature high. high heels in green!