Green Scene

New London — It may be the wee-est parade ever -- taking all of 17 minutes if you stretch it out -- but the city's third-annual St. Patrick's Day parade was quintessential New London.

The high school marching band, students from the ISAAC School and fire trucks drew the loudest cheers from those who lined both sides of State Street Wednesday afternoon. Bagpipes were missing, the New London Firefighters Pipes & Drums had a commitment to march in the Bridgeport parade, but there were kilts, cops, firemen and enough Irish knit sweaters so there was no mistaking the theme of the day.

"It was wonderful,'' said Diamuid Hanafin, owner of Hanafin's Irish Pub and one of the original organizers of the first parade. "It was the biggest turnout ever and I think the beautiful weather had a lot to do with it."

Hundreds showed up, coming out of offices, walking over from nearby schools and pushing baby carriages. Pretty much everyone was wearing green.

Marie McSparrarn, who helped organize the parade, said she tried until 9 o'clock last night to get a bagpiper. Despite the last minute rush, she was happy with the marchers and the watchers.

"Next year we want it to be larger and involve more of New London,'' she said.