By DONNA KENNY KIRWAN

PAWTUCKET — ‘Twas a fine day for the shamrock-shaped sunglasses. A welcome sun warmed the throngs of people who lined the city’s sidewalks on Saturday for the 28th annual St. Patrick’s Parade.

Led by Grand Marshal Bob Mulhearn, the parade stepped off from Jenks Junior High School and wound its way down South Bend, Walcott and Main streets, ending up on Roosevelt Avenue in front of City Hall. There, each parade participant passed in front of a reviewing stand and was acknowledged by veteran emcee Ken Mills.
As usual, most of the local politicians and a smattering of those on the state level marched in the event, including Pawtucket Mayor James Doyle, Providence Mayor David Cicilline, Lt. Gov. Elizabeth Roberts, Sec. of State A. Ralph Mollis, state Reps. Peter Kilmartin, Roberto DaSilva and Mary Duffy Messier, Attorney General Patrick Lynch, Lincoln Town Administrator T. Joseph Almond and members of the Pawtucket City Council.
Waving to onlookers from further back in the parade was Independent gubernatorial candidate and former U.S. Senator Lincoln Chafee, while City Council President Henry Kinch Jr. and former city councilor Donald Grebien, both considering a run for mayor, energetically worked the crowds.
The parade itself was a cavalcade of floats, marching bands, singers, dancers, cyclists, and marchers from local sports teams, schools and civic organizations. Clad in green and gold kilts, the Newport Ancient Order of Hibernians played bagpipes, and the Hills-Mills Clown Band, Big Nazo Puppets and Tony Lepore the Dancing Cop were among those providing entertainment. In contrast, participants such as the Providence Mounted Police, Rehoboth Minutemen and Gloucester Light Infantry, along with representatives from various local police and fire departments and the U.S. military, lent a dignified presence.
Dressed in a green vestment and white beard, Fr. Charles Galligan, of St. Edward’s Church in Pawtucket, portrayed Saint Patrick for this year’s parade. Between bestowing blessings on all who came over to greet him, the pastor said he found the experience to be “absolutely delightful.”  “This is what I love about it. The kids come running up,” he stated.
Other featured parade participants included the winners of the annual “Faces of Ireland” contest, past parade grand marshals, Miss Rhode Island USA Kristina Premavera, Miss Teen Rhode Island Erica Wright, Mrs. Rhode Island America Denise Turcotte, Mrs. Rhode Island USA Lynn Diamanti, the Pawtucket Red Sox mascots Paws and Sox, and Providence Bruins mascot Sam Boni.
For many of those who came out to watch, the parade is an excuse to get together with family and friends. “We come every year,” said Linda Narciso of Pawtucket, whose granddaughter, Vanessa Narciso, was marching in the parade with her Girl Scout Troop 301. She was joined by her son, Lucas Narciso, and other family members, including her nephew, Kevin Gould, who drove from Connecticut with his wife, Leanna. “She always tells us when this is and we come down and visit her,” he added.
Daisy Lincoln, of Pawtucket, said the parade is also part of her longstanding family tradition. “I used to come with my son and daughter when they were younger I remember how we used to load them up with balloons and all kinds of that stuff they sell,” she noted. She added that she was now attending with her daughter and her three-year-old grandson.
“We’re very Irish. We come every year—and we bring our beads,” noted Stephanie Whyte, of Attleboro, sitting on the curb with her son, Zane. She called the parade “outstanding” while her son showed off his novelty green necklace that had a mini beer mug attached. 
Edith and Maury Mack, of Barrington, also called themselves veteran parade watchers. “We like parades. We’re 80 years old and we keep coming,” Maury Mack noted. He said the couple typically attends Newport’s St. Patrick’s Parade each year as well. “People still like a parade, and it’s good for the kids. We need traditions,” he added.
Nine-year-old Aryanna Mello, and her 3-year-old brother, Blake, happily jumped from their curbside seating to catch lollipops and other candy being tossed from the passing floats. “I like the clowns,” stated Blake, while Aryanna noted that she, her brother, and mom live close enough to walk to the parade route.
For Attleboro residents Linda and Paul Camara, it was their first time at the parade, but they liked what they saw. “I’m part Irish,” said Linda, smiling. “But mostly, it was a nice day and we just decided to come out.”
Carlos Furtado, of Pawtucket, was also experiencing the city’s parade for the first time. He said he had come home from work and his wife had told him about it, so he decided to bring his children, 8-year-old Sydni and 6-year-old Erik, to watch the festivities. “It’s great,” he added.
The parade also got a thumbs up from Irish native Charles Greene, who grew up in Athlone but now lives in the local area. He was attending with his wife, Megan, two-year-old son, Charles Jr., and mother-in-law, Maryanne Hennessey of Cumberland. “Awesome,” Greene said, of the proceedings. “And it’s better weather than in Ireland right now.”