What to know about Hartford's annual St. Patrick's Day Parade
Connecticut is preparing for its 54th annual Greater Hartford St. Patrick’s Day parade on Saturday, when thousands are expected to line the streets for one of the state’s most beloved traditions.
The parade kicks off at 11 a.m. at the state Capitol, showcasing Irish culture with dancers, bands, floats, and more. The route continues along Main Street and ends at the Memorial Arch in Bushnell Park.
“The parade is about celebrating our Irish culture,” parade chair Eileen K. Moore said.
Leading the procession will be grand marshal Pat Whelan, a Dublin native now living in Glastonbury. Parade chair Eileen K. Moore said Whelan represents the heart of the event.
“He just embodies everything that is Irish in our culture,” Moore said. “If you know anybody that had a piper at a wedding or a funeral or a birthday party in the past 30 years, it was probably Pat Whalen.”
Whelan has spent many years in the Saint Patrick’s Pipe Band and has been the piper for the Connecticut State Police.
Jim and Pat Calhoun are also being honored as Persons of the Year for their lasting impact on athletics, philanthropy, and the Connecticut community.
“Talk about two people that just embody everything that is Connecticut,” Moore said.
Jim is a Hall of Fame basketball coach who led the University of Connecticut to three NCAA Championships, and Pat has been instrumental in the couple’s philanthropic efforts.
The couple established their Cardiology Research Fund at UConn Health, which has helped to raise millions of dollars for cardiovascular and cancer research, education, and community health initiatives.
“They’re a great team,” Moore said.
For many families, the parade is a yearly tradition. Moore has been the chair for over 15 years, and she was involved long before then.
Organizers recommend using public transportation to reach the parade. Drivers should expect road closures beginning at 9:30 a.m.
“I see friends of mine now, or their kids, and now their kids are having kids and, you know, they’re in the same spot, sitting on the same curb, waiting for the same piece of candy to get thrown,” Moore said. “It’s not supposed to be thrown. But it’s really important to me that that tradition (of the parade) continue.”
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