New London - Local businesses, school children, bagpipers, fire trucks, Irish dancers and a group of breast cancer survivors were among about 800 participants who walked the mile-long route Saturday in the city's fifth annual Irish Parade.

Thousands lined the downtown streets -- Irish or not but nearly all dressed in green -- and cheered as politicians, Irish setters and Hibernians marched by.The hour long event, which is always held on March 17, drew people from across the city and the region.

"I enjoyed every bit of it,'' said Renee Para of Groton, who had prime viewing on State Street with her son and two grandchildren. "My favorite is the bagpipes.''

"I'm very happy with the crowd,'' said Marie Friess-McSparran, parade organizer, as she stood midway through the parade route, trying to keep the pace moving. "Everyone is fantastic and excited."