Cursing the St. Patrick's Day Parade

 

The Hartford Marathon and the St. Patrick's Day Parade are the two biggest days of the year for suburbanites to come into the city. Not surprisingly, the two events draw wildly different demographics.

This weekend we went down to Hartford's annual St. Patrick's Day Parade. People often say that the Puerto Rican Day and West Indian Day parades are the two worst days of the year in the city. We disagree. At least the majority of the chaos from those parades comes mostly from the city's actual residents. The St. Patrick's Day Parade revelers are way worse because most of them don't even live here. They just barge into town like unwanted party guests who drink all of your beer, throw trash on the ground, piss in your parking lot and then take a dump in the upper deck of your toilet (without flushing, mind you).

St. Patty's Day Parade

Saturday, March 10th is the annual St. Patty's Day Parade in downtown. The parade kicks off at Capitol Ave, heads down Main, Asylum, and Ford before wrapping up at the Memorial Arch. Check out the detailed parade route here. It's the one day a year where all of a sudden everyone is Irish. As an Irishwoman once told us "You guys are a country that has 25 million that claim to come from a country of 4 million!" Well we can rest assured no one will be counting much of anything on Saturday. Come on into downtown wearing your green to view the great parade and then have some corned beef and cabbage, the most authentic of all Irish dishes!

Veterans Day Parade

West Hartford bike police greet children.

While many still seethed about the lack of power and CL&P missing deadlines, a respite was found in the Veterans Day Parade on a beautiful Sunday in downtown. The weather was so great, if not for the fact so many remained without power, it would be hard to believe a snowstorm hit the area just over a week ago. The parade was a great event featuring marching bands, old cars, police, appearances by Senator Blumenthal and Governor Malloy, and of course the veterans. Pics and video from a gorgeous Sunday in downtown after the jump.

Here Comes The Hooker Day Parade

Saturday, October 23 is the Hooker Day Parade in Downtown. The parade was started my Mayor Mike to celebrate Hartford founder Thomas Hooker and to bring a little wackiness to Downtown. The parade was stopped in 2001, but returned in 2008. We are eagerly anticipating the parade and a great Saturday in downtown.  In Hartford's version of Mardi Gras, parade goers dress in outrageous costumes and Sad City will be there looking for the most outrageous costumes. Are any Sad City readers planning to participate in the parade? Let's hear some costume ideas...