Mystic — The wind was blowing and the air was cold Sunday afternoon as crowds lined Greenmanville Avenue to greet the sun and watch the Mystic Irish Parade - 2,000 participants strong - march, dance and drum its way from the Mystic Seaport Museum to the Mystic Art Association.

"The weather always shines for the Mystic parade," said Stonington resident Tom Rolfe, a member of the Mystic Highland Pipe Band.

Lt. Gov. Nancy Wyman said she "wouldn't miss this parade at all," noting that the parade, in its 12th year, was the last area Irish pride parade of the Saint Patrick's Day season this year.

"The spirit around here is wonderful," said Wyman, who joined other public officials in marching toward the front of the parade. Among them were U.S. Sen. Richard Blumenthal, D-Conn., and state Rep. Aundre Bumgardner, R-Groton.

The parade brought attendees new and old.

Morgan Klewin of Griswold came with her fiancé, Elliott LaRose, also of Griswold, and Elliott's daughter Baylie, from Texas, and the children of some friends of theirs.

Klewin was visiting the parade for the third time, while for Elliott and 6-year-old Baylie, it was their first time to the event.

"Normally, it's for partying after, but this year it's for the kids," said Klewin.

Baylie, who wore a plastic tiara with the words "Irish princess" on it, said she was at the parade "because I celebrate lots of holidays."

Nakisha Williams, 27, of Middletown, came with friends to the parade "just to see how it ends." She noted that she had unfortunately missed another Saint Patrick's Day parade in Hartford.

The parade ended with an appearance by a group of four New England Patriots cheerleaders and the team's mascot, followed by a trampoline performance. The two new entries were the most exciting additions to the parade, in the opinion of Henderson.

As staple parade entries weaved their way past, attendees of the parade made clear they knew what to expect.

"This is what we do every year. We watch it start here and then the grand marshals are next," one woman could be heard saying as the parade began.

As the event wound down, another parade regular warned of the arrival of a cannon that she knew to expect.

"Just don't want to have it blast in front of you," the woman said.

t.townsend@theday.com

Twitter:@ConnecticuTess