New London — The St. Patrick’s Day parade in New London, scheduled for noon on March 14, will be a car parade this year.

The rain-or-shine event is expanded from last year’s event, which was shifted from a traditional parade to a car parade because of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Participants are invited to decorate their vehicles in a St. Patrick’s Day theme for a parade route that will stretch throughout the city, starting and ending at Shaw’s Cove. The parade starts at noon and residents also are encouraged to decorate properties along the parade route. Prizes will be handed out for the best decorated vehicle.

The parade is sponsored by the City of New London and the Downtown New London Association, and is produced by Neff Productions. This year’s grand marshal will be Francis “Frank” Edward Charles McLaughlin Jr.

McLaughlin lives in New London with his wife and for years has specialized in redeveloping dilapidated properties in New London into affordable housing. He's also long been active in civic organizations, serving as president of New London Main Street, chairman of City Center District and member of New London Maritime Society, to name a few.

For the entire parade route, go to downtownnewlondonassociation.com.