1. The International Brotherhood of Electrical Workers (IBEW Electrical Local #457) had the most interesting float, and after the October/November power outage, proved most deserving of the cheering they got.

2. Windy days make banners hard to read. They flip flimsy plastic hats from people’s heads. Except for those who used an entire bottle of hairspray or wore wigs of springy curls, messy hair was instantaneous.

3. There are dogs in this world that submit to having their fur dyed green, despite their agility and sharp teeth.

4. Pucky was everywhere, but ice hockey was not the only sport represented at the parade. Besides soccer teams, an appearance was made by the Hartford Hurricanes and Friends of Vintage Base Ball.

5. Maybe it was because the parade happened one whole week before the actual St. Patrick’s Day, but there was noticeably less candy thrown this time around. People were still generous with waves and smiles.

6. Hartford Magnet Trinity College Academy (AKA Hartford Magnet Middle School), wins, no contest, for most spirited marching band.

7. Police, rescue units, and military are always crowdpleasers, especially with children.

8. Some people just want to enjoy a parade without reliving their early twenties. You can avoid most of the drunken nonsense by simply not being on Asylum Street near the bars. Viewing areas on Main Street and Capitol Avenue are more family-friendly.

9. The hot item this year: what appeared to be goat-leggings dyed green. Not all adults succumbed to this trend.

Irene O'Connor, 2012 Person of the Year
(left) Nancy Wyman, Lt. Governor of Connecticut

10. Forget cowbell. More bagpipe!

11. If you weren’t going to walk in the parade, you needed to pick cool transportation.

12. It’s easier to smile for nearly three hours when one wears a thick, beautiful sweater.

13. This sign speaks for itself.

You can see more photos from the 2012 St. Patrick’s Day Parade on Photobucket.