In these turbulent and divisive times, symbolic gestures of Unity are always welcome. It also helps if they're fun and, oh, yeah, if you have green clothing.

This last points to Sunday, when the 14th annual Mystic Irish Parade rolls. Typically, over 30,000 folks — of all demographics — turn out for this event and if, for one afternoon, we're all Irish, that's a damned good thing. Oh, and regardless of how invasive the blizzard/winter storm might be — it's ongoing as this is being written — the parade WILL take place.

"The parade does bring together the community in a strong and unique manner," says Laura Capshaw, a board member of the Mystic Irish Parade Foundation. "On days like this, it's not about politics, it's about community, family and the celebration of our heritage. The committee works very hard to make decisions and run a parade to benefit the community in a positive manner."

As always, the parade starts at Mystic Seaport, cruises down Greenmanville Avenue and hooks a right on east Main Street, into the village proper, and concludes at the Mystic Museum of Art — a majestic course accompanied by the distinct sounds and rhythms of the 2,000-strong processional and the ambient and undulating crowd reaction as each new wave of participants moves past.

Folks and groups marching will muster from 10 a.m. to noon, and step-off takes place promptly at 1 p.m.

In addition to the usual favorites — marching bands, bagpipes, floats, children's groups, civic organizations — Capshaw says the parade this year will feature elements of Americanism and patriotism with many veterans organizations participating.

Of course, the parade's magnetism affects all of downtown Mystic, as shops, restaurants and taverns all do mighty, day-long business in the wake of it all. According to the foundation, the Mystic Irish Parade is the biggest single-day event in Mystic each year. In addition, Saturday's third annual Mystic Irish 5K road race gets the whole weekend off to a healthy start. Runners will gather at Pearl Street for the 10 a.m. start, and the course ends up back at the beginning.

Of course, it's always an honor to be named Grand Marshal for the parade, but this year's designee has a particular resonance. Stonington Police Chief Darren Stewart will serve as Grand Marshal. A lifelong resident of Stonington, he's been police chief for nine years and a member of the department for 33 years. His wife, Beth, is executive director of the Stonington Community Center, and both are extremely active in the community.

While that's certainly worthy of being named Grand Marshal, Stewart, who's participated in the parade annually since it began, agreed to serve with an important caveat.

"I'm accepting in recognition of the men and women of the Stonington Police Department and police officers throughout Connecticut who put themselves in harm's way. It's about them," Stewart says in a prepared statement.

All in all, then, The Mystic Irish Parade that continues to reflect the best characteristics of community. Groton Town mayor Bruce Flax says, "This is just a great local event that continues to grow each year.　 The leadership and commitment of local people, who created this Parade from scratch, is a testament to what can be done at the grass roots level. Groton is excited each March to welcome people from all over New England to our special corner of southeastern Connecticut."

Mystic Irish Parade, 1 p.m. Sunday, from Mystic Seaport on Route 27 to Mystic Museum of Art on Water Street, Mystic; free; mysticirishparade.org.